Wildfire concerns caused by droughts are combining with budget problems to increase the number of Fourth of July fireworks displays called off or in jeopardy of being canceled.
States including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, California, Arizona and Alabama have banned all outdoor burning in certain areas, as well as the sale and use of fireworks.
The governor's office in Texas has granted 14 requested countywide bans. That has led to the cancellation of traditional fireworks shows in multiple Texas cities, including Austin and the Lake Travis area.
In Florida, officials in cities including Jacksonville and St. Augustine are watching weather conditions and may cancel professional shows as the date approaches.
Jacksonville doesn't expect to have to cancel because their fireworks are shot from two barges in the water, but they will not know until closer to July 4th if any kind of cancellation would take place.
The bad economy also is continuing to fizzle fireworks shows in areas not affected by drought.
A group of University of Florida’s media outlets, including the school's radio stations, canceled the fireworks display they have hosted in Gainesville for the past 20 years after more than a half-million dollars was cut from their budget. The cost of the celebration was $30,000 to $40,000.
Chicago has cut funding for fireworks this year.
Elsewhere:
•Cincinnati's annual $30,000 All-American Birthday Party and fireworks display have been canceled because of budget concerns.
•A $50,000 celebration in New Britain, Conn., has been canceled for budget reasons.
•Jersey City’s fireworks display is off for the second consecutive year.
Some people are not letting traditions go without a fight. On citizen of Bloomingdale, N.J., has collected more than 600 signatures he will present to the borough council today in an effort to reinstate canceled fireworks, which cost $7,000 last year. He said it is important to have the fireworks and events like that because it brings the community together. A Council member said she believes the council will consider the petition.
