It just wouldn't be the Fourth of July without fireworks, but the record-setting heat this summer mixed with a lack of rain has forced a burn ban in most Arkansas counties. Those bans have left many wondering where they can legally set off their Fourth of July fireworks.
Benton County is under a burn ban, but that only prohibits open burning and does not affect those who are setting off personal fireworks.
Some Benton County cities such as Bentonville, Cave Springs and Siloam Springs are under their own fireworks bans.
"We are watching everything. We are on top of it,” said Benton County Fire Marshal Marc Trollinger. “The burn bans, we put them on because we felt like we needed to have one. We are still not seeing a lot of fires, which we are very thankful for, and if we have to get to a point to go to the next step of banning fireworks, we will make that decision."
Several Benton County organizations, including the Hickory Creek, Rogers and Pea Ridge fire departments, are selling fireworks to raise money.
Trollinger said fire departments are holding fundraisers to buy equipment or to pay for other needs.
“There are a bunch of other places like churches and schools that are doing their own fundraisers with the fireworks, and they're going toward their different causes."
Trollinger said people using fireworks should follow safety suggestions.
"Don't mix fireworks with any alcohol use," he said. "Other than that, pay attention to what the fireworks say on their recommended safety recommendations and stay within that. If it's an age limit, you want to really make sure the age limit is done. You don't want to shoot off anywhere that there's grass that's all dried out."
Washington, Sebastian and Crawford counties are under burn and firework bans.
To see complete coverage of local fireworks bans, click here.