Despite the dry conditions, public fireworks displays are a go for this 4th of July

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Lafayette Fire Department is asking you to rethink your Fourth of July plans this year.

Due to dry, hot conditions, the fire department is encouraging people to attend supervised, professional firework displays.

"I think that people who attend the public display are attending it because of the community atmosphere," said Eddie VanBogaert of West Lafayette.

"Every year, it's really exciting to go show off your fireworks and you spent good money buying the fireworks and so it's a one-time of year, Fourth of July. It's an American tradition," said Kathryn Stwalley of Lafayette.

"Nobody likes to do it at their house, you know what I'm saying. It's more fun to watch them with other people," said Joshua McCaw of Brookston.

Although opinions may vary on whether it's more fun to set off fireworks at home or watch a public display, the Lafayette Fire Department is asking you to play it safe this year. With extremely dry conditions, firefighters are urging you put the fireworks away and head to a supervised, professional display.

"They've been through a lot of training. They're put together in a situation, where they're pretty much nowadays, all electronic so they don't have to physically light the fireworks so they're more safe," said Chief of Fire Prevention, Ron Ritchey.

Ritchey said despite the dry conditions, two public firework displays in Lafayette are still a go for this holiday season. First Assembly of God on Beck Lane will host its fireworks this Saturday night. Fireworks can also be seen at the annual Stars and Stripes concert in downtown Lafayette on July 4.

Ritchey said the fire department will be on hand, ready to go with the trucks.

"Prior to the actually shooting off of the fireworks, we will wet the grounds down and then, of course, we will do all of our pre-inspection," said Ritchey.

Ritchey said there is a ban on fireworks for the city of Lafayette. Due to state law, people can set off fireworks beginning June 29 until July 9 from 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset. On July 4, fireworks can be set off from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. He said during that time, people need to wet the ground and have water or an extinguisher handy.

Some other firework displays that are still set for this year include the city of Frankfort's, Pearson's Marina on Lake Freeman, Delphi's and Fowler's.