Five Counties Allow Fireworks Despite Fire Danger

Parts of Arkansas received a light misting of rain Monday.

It was a gentle reprieve from the brutal heat, but didn't make a dent in the state's dry spell. The Arkansas Forestry Commission has placed the entire state in extreme fire danger- and 70 of 75 counties are under a burn ban.

But what about the five counties where burning is still legal?

Judges in Calhoun, Desha, Drew, Little River and Sevier counties refuse to wave the red flag. Damon Lampkin, Drew County judge, says he's going to declare a burn ban-- right after the 4th of July.

What's the Independence Day without the rockets' red glare?

"Everyone likes to do fireworks," said Linda Heath from her car at the Sonic Drive-In in Monticello.

But with hot, dry weather, and burn bans across the state, sellers say fireworks sales have been slow in Arkansas.

Lampkin says he hasn't declared a burn ban because people have enough common sense to know better.

"The government shouldn't have to tell everyone what to do," Lampkin said. "We got enough of that."

Lampkin also says Drew County isn't as dry as other counties, and they haven't seen many fires this season. But it is dry, Lampkin admits, so he's declaring a burn ban on Thursday.

Asked if banning fireworks after the 4th of July is like closing the barn door after the horses have bolted, Lampkin said, "Nah. No."

But David Webb is surprised there hasn't been a ban. He says his family will fire off fewer fireworks this year, but they're still shooting fireworks.

"Where we live, it's not much of a risk," Webb said. "We live in an area that shouldn't be a problem."

So you're free to celebrate freedom in Drew County this 4th of July, but Lampkin says you're not free from the consequences if things blow up on you.

"Burn ban or no burn ban, you cause a fire, you're responsible," Lampkin said.