Fourth of July weekend is just around the corner, and local governments around the country are gearing up for handling firework shows, whether legal or not. Unfortunately, tightening budgets and drought conditions is threatening this tradition in many places.

In Ambridge, Pa. the annual fireworks show was canceled earlier this year in an effort to help conserve funds. Much to the town council’s surprise, even in such tough economic times people fought for the show. Their protests were so successful that the town replaced it with another.

For other places, allowing fireworks this year is not just a decision based on dollars and cents, but one of public safety.  In central Florida there have been close to 4,000 wildfires since January, and this past month Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency. These severe drought conditions have had local governments taking serious precautions even if it means sacrificing a time honored holiday tradition. In Volusia County, Brevard County and Osceola County, fireworks  have all been banned, with no sign of that changing before weekend.

In Louisiana many parishes and municipalities are struggling with a similar decision. They are also dealing with drought conditions and a statewide burn ban.  In Shreveport and Bossier City local leaders had to make the hard decision of banning fireworks sales through June and canceling all Fourth of July shows. Yet in even in the face of drought conditions not all are willing to be denied the tradition. In the Brazos Valley, Leon County, Tex. is the only county to not ban fireworks.

It is also important to remember that the fun of Fourth of July fireworks comes with serious risks, even in drought free areas. Many towns have already begun to warn citizens about the dangers of using fireworks. In St. Louis, Mo., for example, the Fire Marshal has been spreading a message of caution. In Chatham County, Ga. the Fire Chief has begun a discussion about fireworks safety and legality to help clear up what types of fireworks are approved in their area, and how to use them safely. Individual cities and towns in the same county can have varying laws and regulations when it comes to fireworks, so it is important to inform residents of your own community’s rules.

For more information about fireworks safety visit The National Council on Fireworks Safety. You can also visit the Knowledge Network topic pages on Fire and Public Safety, and take a look at some recent questions on fire safety, Sky Lantern Ban and Open Burning and Fireworks Rules.