LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Much of Arkansas is experiencing a drought, which means many neighborhoods won't be able to shoot off fireworks this year.
Two weeks before and after the 4th of July, fireworks can be sold in Arkansas. However, given this year's lack of rain, many county-wide burn bans are in effect.
Tyler Devers works at this firework stand and wasn't aware of the burn bans until today. Despite that, he says sales aren't suffering, "Well, so far I don't think it's really made a difference because we've done alright. Starting out it's still going to be slow, but around the 2nd [of July] when it usually picks up then we'll really know if it's affected us or not."
Lack of rain, humidity, wind speed and direction can cause a fire to spread rapidly. A moderate to high fire danger and burn bans are declared in 33 of the 75 counties in our state. Long range models also point to only scattered chances for rain until the big holiday. Also, just because you get a passing shower, does not mean your burn ban is lifted.
Keep in mind, when a county is under a burn ban, all burning is prohibited or else you can be fined. Bans are issued by judges within each county and are not a suggestion. Even though the burn bans prohibit fireworks in your backyard, other large presentations of fireworks are still going on.
In fact, Pops on the River will have their grand firework display at 9:30 pm on the 4th.