The State Fire Marshal is urging Illinois communities to take extra precautions with Fourth of July fireworks this year.
With southern Illinois in a severe drought, many communities have postponed or canceled their fireworks shows and burn bans are in place in 11 counties. State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis says the extremely dry weather is another good reason that individuals should leave fireworks to the professionals. Matkaitis says those who have the proper local permitting for fireworks should water the area beforehand and have fire extinguishers nearby in case a flame breaks out.