CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – As Clarksville looks ahead to a 4^th of July without fireworks local businesses and citizens are weighing their options for how to enjoy the holiday without the personal use of fireworks.
 
Recent low rainfall and high temperature conditions have put a damper on the use of fireworks on the 4^th of July with a ban implemented by the City of Clarksville.  Mayor Kim McMillan made the ban on open burning and fireworks after advice from Clarksville Fire Rescue Chief Mike Roberts.
 
“I do not make this decision lightly as I recognize that it is during the Independence Day Holiday.  I believe the overall situation is too dire to permit open burning of any kind and the igniting of fireworks,” said Chief Roberts.
 
Justin Grant, Manager of Allen’s Fireworks, 2169 Fort Campbell Boulevard talked about the sale of fireworks with the ban in effect.  “We can’t really forecast actual sales numbers but fireworks are still allowed to be used in the county so obviously we want people to use them where they’re legally able to use them,” said Grant.
 
Grant added that he has contacted the mayor’s office and is hoping that when there is enough rain in the city that people will be allowed to set them off legally.  Apparently there have been a large number of people who purchased fireworks before the ban went into effect and they are hoping that dates and times will be set when the ban will be lifted.
 
In related action to the ban on open burning and fireworks by the City of Clarksville, Montgomery County is joining State officials in urging residents to take fire precautions for the 4^th of July holiday.  A press release says “At this time, there is no legal process for a county-wide ban of fireworks, so we ask citizens to voluntarily not use fireworks in the county due to the dry conditions.”
 
“We are extremely concerned about the potential for fires given the dry conditions and low humidity.  We ask that you resist individual firework use and instead opt for professional shows that are supported by emergency workers.  These weather conditions are not to be taken lightly,” said Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers.  
 
The ban on fireworks will not affect the display for the City of Clarksville’s Independence Day Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 3 at McGregor Park on Riverside Drive.  Activities begin at 6:00 p.m. with live entertainment and food vendors throughout the evening followed by the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
 
Fort Campbell will also feature their annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 4 as part of their USAA & MWR Independence Week Carnival.  




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