Fireworks displays nixed in many Ind. communities

INDIANAPOLIS — Nearly every Indiana county has implemented a burn ban as a moderate to severe drought sweeps the state. Many communities are urging residents to stop using fireworks and canceling public displays because of extremely dry conditions that have sparked fires, but others say their shows will go on.

Here is how some communities are proceeding:

— ALBION — The northeastern Indiana community has postponed its July 4 fireworks to Labor Day weekend.

— AUBURN — The city has canceled its July 5 show because of fire risks, but displays in the nearby communities of Lake James and Kendallville will continue because fireworks there are shot over water.

—BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington's Fourth of July fireworks display is scheduled to go on, but organizers have taken precautions including waiting to cut the field where people will park until recently and heavily watering the area where the fireworks are set off. Organizers also have chosen fireworks that are smaller or drop fewer embers.

—CRAWFORDSVILLE — The city plans to continue with its July 4 fireworks after receiving a $500 grant to fund them following budget cuts two years ago.

— DELPHI — The town near Lafayette has canceled its show and plans to use the payments made for this year's display for the 2013 event.

— ELKHART — City officials canceled the annual fireworks display. Mayor Dick Moore said the show would put the school property where the event is held and surrounding areas in danger. Elkhart County has been under a burn ban because of the ongoing drought and heat wave.

— FISHERS — The Hamilton County town on Friday temporarily banned professional fireworks, which includes the annual pyrotechnics display at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's three-day holiday concert series at the Conner Prairie living history museum. Hamilton County officials on Friday banned the use of personal fireworks and open burning.

— GOSHEN — The Celebrate America Committee has canceled its annual show and says it may reschedule it for another date. The use of unpermitted fireworks has been banned in Elkhart County through July 10.

— INDIANAPOLIS — The fireworks show planned for downtown Indianapolis is still scheduled to go off as planned at 10 p.m. July 4. Organizers say they are talking with local fire officials to ensure the event is safe given weather conditions.

— SANTA CLAUS — The Holiday World amusement park has canceled its July 4 fireworks.

Other communities that have canceled displays include Brownsburg, Danville, Greenfield, Hartford City, Kokomo, New Palestine, Alexandria, and Yorktown.