Fireworks light up Labor Day weekend

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - People are getting into the holiday spirit this weekend by shooting off fireworks. Normally the most popular time for fireworks is the 4th of July. Early summer burn bans prevented that, so people are now lighting those fuses.

In the city of Fort Wayne, there are only a few times where it is legal to shoot fireworks. One of those was the 4th of July, but with the severe drought conditions earlier this summer, burn bans were in place and fireworks were included in the ban. Lots of people, including Mistie Gustin of Fort Wayne, were disappointed that they couldn’t shoot off their fireworks on the 4th.

"It made it hard because we couldn’t shoot off the fireworks. And we were scared to light them because we didn't want to catch anybody's house or trees on fire. So we didn't light them."

Fortunately, the rain finally came and most of the burn bans were lifted by early August. Now that the second window is open for shooting fireworks, people are taking advantage.

"I'm excited", said Mistie Gustin, "I can finally light them off tonight and the kids get to see them all."

Phantom Fireworks in Fort Wayne is one of the few fireworks stores still open in the area. The Assistant Manager, Jessica French, said business has picked up due to the holiday.

"This weekend has definitely picked up because of the holiday weekend, because they are able to shoot the fireworks off. A lot of people were disappointed that they couldn't shoot off fireworks over the 4th of July, so they are excited about this weekend."

Jessica also said that even though there are more people coming in, they aren’t seeing the big sales they were hoping for. Many people already had lots of fireworks left over from the 4th, so they are only buying a few items rather than a whole show.