Restrictions on fireworks eased

The celebration is back on for Alabamians who like to celebrate America's independence with fireworks.

Alabama Forestry Commission officials announced Wednesday that restrictions on home fireworks displays have been relaxed.

There is a twist to that news, however, as forestry officials try to deal with an ongoing drought and still find a way to accommodate those who enjoy firecrackers and the bright glow of sparklers.

Fireworks will be allowed in celebration of the Fourth of July as long as they are the types that remain on the ground. Bottle rockets, skyrockets with sticks, and any rocket with fins or rudders will be banned.

"As long as it doesn't go up and come down at you don't know where, it will be OK," said Coleen Vansant, information manager for the forestry commission. "Anything that's ground-based -- like firecrackers, sparklers, poppers and things like that -- are permitted."

Based on a drought emergency ordered by Gov. Bob Riley earlier this month for 33 counties, fireworks of all types could only be shot over open water or during organized shows run by pyrotechnic professionals.

The relaxed restrictions were approved after leading fireworks distributors in Alabama met with officials with the forestry commission, state fire marshal office and governor's office to discuss the issue. The distributors volunteered to remove aerial rockets of all types from their shelves throughout the state.

TNT Fireworks CEO Tommy Glasgow applauded the compromise. The Florence-based company distributes fireworks in 45 states, including Alabama.

"I'm pleased the forestry commission was willing to work with our industry to come up with something that will be safe and also allow us to continue to have our celebrations," Glasgow said.

Casey Loveless, who helps run Rambo's Auto Sales and Fireworks in the Underwood community of Lauderdale County, does not expect the ban on rocket devices to be detrimental to the business.

"If they can't buy rockets, I think they will buy other stuff. I don't think it will hurt us too much," she said.

Glasgow said there are numerous "fireworks out there that people can use and have an enjoyable celebration."

Vansant cautioned that anyone who uses fireworks must be extremely careful because of the dry conditions.

"People don't need to light fireworks of any kind in dry grass or leaves," she said. "If possible, they should only light fireworks on a concrete or gravel driveway, a sidewalk or other non-flammable surface. They need to have a garden hose or a bucket of water handy in case the sparks start a fire."

John Everitt, the forestry commission's manager for Colbert County, said even with Monday and Tuesday's rain, the Shoals remains very dry. Rainfall in the Shoals is more than 17 inches below normal for the year.

"We definitely have the potential for catastrophic wild fires," Everitt said. "We are drier now than Georgia and Florida where they're having the big wildfires."

A ban on outdoor burning, including camp, bon and debris fires, remains in effect for north Alabama.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@timesdaily.com.