Allen County Extends Burn Ban, prohibits fireworks

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)--Allen County commissioners extended the county-wide emergency declaration and burn ban on Friday. The burn ban prohibits the use of fireworks unless users have a state permit.  The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The county also strongly urges communities to consider postponing all permitted fireworks of displays.

But some area fireworks stores are countering the ban.  A sign in USA Fireworks at Illinois and Hillegas Road encourages people to abide by a state statute, which states fireworks are allowed from June 29 to July 9.

"Until this goes to a judge and a judge makes an official ruling on this, everybody is spouting their opinion and nothing's factual," said Michael Hensley, manager of USA Fireworks.

But County Commissioner Nelson Peters said that any fireworks store that says fireworks are not included in the ban, is wrong.

"We believe and we've vetted through our legal council that the position we've taken is the correct position and that we do indeed have legal authority to establish this burn ban which includes the prohibition of fireworks," said Peters.

The ban states that the following activities are prohibited:

• Unpermitted ignition of fireworks;
• Camp fires;
• Bon fires;
• Unpermitted controlled burns;
• Burning of yard and household trash;
• Burning of construction debris;
• Burning of organic debris;
• Discarding of unextinguished smoking materials of any kind on the ground or not within an enclosed fireproof receptacle; and
• Non-commercial burning of material other than for religious or ceremonial purposes which is not contained in a barbecue grill and the total fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

As of Friday, it's up to each county to decide if fireworks are banned.

The Indiana Dept. of Home Land Security has compiled a list of fireworks restrictions county-by-county .

The fireworks at Parkview Field are still a go since leaders have a state permit and the field is in good condition.

IPFW plans to shoot off its large fireworks show scheduled for July 4 since it also has a state permit.  Leaders at IPFW said extra fire crews will be on scene.  No personal fireworks are allowed while people watch the show.  They say they're trying to encourage people to come watch the professional show, instead of having their own personal display in their backyard.