Park Fireworks

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -       In one southern Indiana city they may not be banning firing off consumer fire works, but officials are asking for some public cooperation.

     Vincennes officials have set aside time at a riverfront park for area residents who just can't go without their fire crackers and roman candles.
     
     High heat and a prolonged dry spell have left most everything brown and flammable in Vincennes.

     With the 4th of July on the way even the smallest of fireworks puts a furrow in the brow of Fire Chief Gordon Becher.

     "We are very nervous," said Becher.  "The weather conditions, everybody knows everything is just so dry."

     Given the bone dry conditions we're seeing in the Wabash Valley firefighters would prefer that folks forego consumer fireworks altogether, but for those people who absolutely have to shoot them off the fire department here is asking them to come to Kimmell Park where they can do it in a controlled situation.

     "We are making Kimmell Park available from this evening through the Third from 8:30pm to 11:30pm," said Becher.  "We will have a fire company here, one of our engine companies will be here."

     The Park ground  is as dry as anywhere, but the department will direct people to use paved areas and to shoot flying fireworks over the river.

     Meanwhile, the department is beefing up for the the next few days as an extra pre-caution.

     "We are going to be using extra help through the 4th because we are very nervous about it," said Becher.

     Nervous that even the smallest fireworks celebration could turn into a disaster in the drought stricken Wabash Valley.

     Firefighters say because the grass and ground plants are so dry that even sparklers and fire crackers pose a fire risk this year.