LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- July 4th is always busy for firefighters, but this year is shaping up to be especially dangerous and fire officials are taking steps to keep celebrations safe.
Firefighters have already been battling blazes because of dry conditions coupled with an unprecedented heat. And several cities across Kentucky and Indiana are banning fireworks altogether.
Charred black and burnt to a crisp, woods behind a south Louisville neighborhood were on fire Wednesday.
The likely culprit?
"The only thing they [firefighters] found back in the woods, was a bottle rocket," said Heritage Creek Mayor Larry Webb. He took action Saturday to protect the woods and 400 homes in the neighborhood.
"After all these fires we've had out in Colorado, we don't want anything like that happening out here," said Webb.
Now residents in Heritage Creek are getting flyers in their mailbox from the mayor saying they cannot set off any fireworks. Residents will be fined $500 for ignoring the fireworks ban.
Kentucky and Indiana are under open burn bans as what could be the worst heat wave in 80 years continues -- making for a potentially dangerous Fourth of July if people decide to celebrate with fireworks.
The lack of rain and intense heat has left most grass with barely any life. Brown, dry, and crunchy, it could easily be ignited by fireworks or even an errant spark from the grill.
"These conditions are historic," said Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, "these conditions require people to take extra measures."
Local fire crews have already noticed a spike in fires.
"We had 3 within 15 minutes Thursday night," said Sellersburg Fire Chief Boyce Adams. So they are asking the community to think about emergency responders as well.
"Wildland fires right now are progressing at the rate of 200 feet a minute," said Greeson. "That's very fast, and when you have fire departments that may be on another grass fire or another response and you have to fill in from a further distance, that fire can get out of control very rapidly."
Some tips -- have a bucket of water, hose, and fire extinguisher handy. Instead of using sparklers, try glowsticks instead. They last longer, and kids still love them.
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