Drought bout

For seven years, Central Volunteer Fire Department has sold fireworks as a fundraiser.

But this year, with an historic drought in the area, Chief Terry Lovelace said they decided not to burn the money they would raise by putting out fires from fireworks they sold.

"As dry as it is, we won't have realized any profit," Lovelace said.

North Alabama's drought intensity is "exceptional," according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, making it the only state designated at the worst level. The area of exceptional drought covers an 11,500-square-mile oval of land with Cullman at the center. It reaches south to include Walker, Blount, St. Clair and Jefferson counties and north to counties on the Tennessee line, according to Associated Press reports.

Gov. Bob Riley declared a drought emergency for 19 counties and has requested that the area be declared a federal disaster to make farmers eligible for aid.

New fireworks rules have been set for private individuals, as well as municipalities and community operations, said Coleen Vansant, public information manager for the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Municipalities and community operations, such as First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, must apply for a permit. The permit must be approved by the CEO or mayor of the organization, the local fire department chief and the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Bill Newman, administrative pastor of First Baptist church, said the congregation has fireworks after their annual family picnic the Sunday before the Fourth of July.

"If they call it off, we'll miss it," Newman said.

The church is still waiting for approval to shoot fireworks in the cut-grass open field near their church building.

The Spirit of Freedom fireworks show, now in its 26th year, received its permit Friday to conduct the show on the Tennessee River, said Brian Rickman, operations manager for The Shoals Radio Group.

Individuals and family groups that plan on setting off their own fireworks will have to follow strict rules. Vansant said fireworks may only be set off over a large body of water.

"You are responsible for any fire you ignite because of it," Vansant said.

Penalties, she said, are fines up to $250 and up to six months jail for violating the no-burn and fireworks policies.

"It can be a very expensive firecracker if your firecracker gets away," Vansant said.

Tuscumbia police Capt. Lori Jett said the department will be answering calls about fireworks.

"We will be enforcing the ban," Jett said.

Capt. Matt Moore, of the Tuscumbia Fire Department, said people are worried about fires in such dry conditions.

"As dry as it is, it doesn't take but one spark," Moore said.

Sparks from fireworks aren't the only type people should be aware of, said Ed Paulk, state fire marshal.

"Smokers: Take that extra care to make sure (it's out)," Paulk said.

The difficulty is that fireworks can still be sold during the ban. Because it would be wrong to ban a product such as matches and cigarettes, it would also be wrong to ban the sale of fireworks, Paulk said.

Florence High School Band Booster Club President Beth Henderson said the band did a fireworks fundraiser with the drama department in 2006. She said, so far, the group is planning on selling fireworks again this year.

Central Fire Department is out $1,200 to $4,000 of fundraising proceeds through fireworks sales, however, they've decided to continue selling fish and chicken plates from Swamp John's.