DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - It is prime time for firefighters. They're gearing up for a busy night. Once the sun goes down, the fireworks go up. DeSoto County is taking every precaution to keep people safe through the holiday, and that means working overtime.
Every station in the county has more firefighters on duty, with about 90 more than usual working this holiday. They came in early last night and will stay well through tomorrow morning.
"If we do get a grass fire or any type of fire we can get our equipment out real fast," says EMA Director Bobby Storey.
So far, this 4th of July has been quiet, but Storey knows this evening will be a busy one. "I think it will probably start around five or six this afternoon and then we'll do whatever we can to be there if needed."
Fireworks start after sunset.
"We're looking for big explosions, anything that shoots up in the sky," says Brian Hawkins and his son Brandon, who just stocked up.
"We've been doing this every year," Brian adds. "Since I was five," agrees Brandon.
They'll set theirs off around nine. "We have fire extinguishers just in case because we live across from a field. We've got to be protective of that because the city's been talking about this dry spell."
Storey wants everyone else to do the same.
"I have to emphasize one more time, please, understand just because you're in your driveway, farmers' fields are dry right now." He's gotten quite a few calls from worried farmers.
"They're concerned and rightfully so. It only takes one firework going the wrong way and they've lost everything for this season. Please use common sense."
If you're celebrating with fireworks keep a bucket of water close by and call 9-1-1 if anything goes wrong.
DeSoto County is under a burn ban until July 27.
