MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Despite the dry air and burn bans across the Mid-South, the parking lot was still full at a local fireworks stand.
Sparklers, firecrackers, and jumping jacks, as 10-year-old Joshua will tell you, "It's a tradition, you have to have fireworks and it's really fun to do them."
They're not fun for the fire department. After nearly a week of triple digit temps and nearly a month of no rain, this 4th of July could be a dangerous one.
MFD Lt. Wayne Cooke says conditions are "extremely dangerous because vegetation is extremely dry and if they get out of control they can quickly ignite and spread. This is why we recommend the consumers not use it; use a public display for fireworks."
Fireworks are illegal in Memphis. There's also a burn ban in effect. But the fire department fears that won't keep fireworks out of residents' hands.
"If you use fireworks make sure you have a water supply, bucket or hose, somewhere near so if fireworks get out of control it can be quickly extinguished," Cooke said.
The fire department will have a full staff all day for the holiday. Fireworks stands are also handing out their own warnings.
