The Lake City Council is considering a ban on private firework displays in town this year due to the unusually dry spring so far. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Calhoun County is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions, and the minimal precipitation today (Friday) will likely be only a temporary reprieve. Administrator, Eric Wood, says city officials are monitoring the risk of fire as the drought persists.
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The council did not take any formal action during their meeting earlier this week, but the issue of prohibiting fireworks will likely return on their June 21 agenda. Wood says city officials will rely on the advice of their local fire chiefs when they make their final decision.
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Wood adds banning fireworks this year may be unpopular if it does come to that, but protecting the health and safety of the community is the council’s primary concern. As of Thursday, about 32 percent of Iowa was categorized as abnormally dry, 47 percent in moderate drought and almost 10 percent in severe drought. Fires become a concern at the abnormally dry classification.