Montgomery County, TN – Montgomery County, along with State officials are urging citizens to take fire precautions for the 4th of July holiday. At this time, there is no legal process for a county-wide ban of fireworks, so we ask citizens to voluntarily not use fireworks in the county due to the dry conditions.

Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers states, “We are extremely concerned about the potential for fires given the dry conditions and low humidity. We ask that you resist individual firework use and instead opt for professional shows that are supported by emergency workers. These weather conditions are not to be taken lightly.”

State Forestry officials recommend overall fire precautions:

• Taking precautions when using farm and other equipment (bush hogs, balers, lawn mowers, ATVs, etc.) or anything with an exhaust system, including parked cars, that could create a spark near dry vegetation.
• Citizens are encouraged to avoid shooting fireworks in dry areas and attend public fireworks displays instead
• Reporting fire activity immediately to your local fire department.
• Delaying debris burning until significant precipitation is received. Even when conditions are safe, notify your fire department and neighbors, don’t burn on windy days, establish a wide control line down to mineral soil, keep fire containment equipment and water on hand, and stay with the fire until it is completely out.

Citizens are reminded that they are responsible and held accountable by law for any damage caused by fireworks.

For more information or for specific fire hazard information, contact Jerry Buchanan, Montgomery County Deputy Fire Chief, at 931.648.5702.