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Pike Co. Fireworks Stands Say Sales Down; Heat Blamed

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Jul 2, 2012 at 4:44 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2012 at 5:39 PM CDT

Fireworks are a hot item just days before the Fourth of July, but fireworks stands in Pike County say they're struggling to make ends meet.

Tiki Fireworks employees say sales are down ten percent compared to this time last year and they're blaming the heat.

Just outside the city limit near the Pike County Town of Goshen, you'll find Tiki Fireworks.

With two days before the Fourth of July, owner Carol Sanders says fireworks are usually flying off the shelves, but this year Sanders is waiting for business to start booming.

"Our sales have come down quite a bit from past years," says Sanders. "People are scared to fire them because it's so dry."

With extreme temperatures and little to no rain in sight, Pike County residents like Chris Lee are hesitant to set off anything explosive.

"It's really dry," says Lee. "I have 12 acres of land, and we're way back in the woods, and I definitely wouldn't want a fire back there."

Fire Chief Thomas Outlaw says while fireworks are banned in Troy's city limits that doesn't mean it's safe to set them off in the county.

"It's getting real dry because we haven't had any rain recently," says Outlaw. "I would avoid shooting the fireworks if all possible."

But until a firework ban is issued by the state, Sanders says she'll keep her stand open.

"From like nine in the morning till whatever time at night as long as I got customers coming," says Sanders.

Hoping for enough business to come back next year.

If it is legal to shoot fireworks in your area and it continues to stay as dry as it is, fire marshalls are asking you to wet down the area where you intend to shoot your fireworks and make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Troy firefighters are assessing the area in which fireworks will be set off for the city's fireworks show spectacular on Wednesday night. As of now, they say it is safe and the show will go on.

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