The Department of Natural Resources has lowered the fire risk in Mid-Michigan from "Extreme" to "High," but the number of cities and townships implementing burn-bans is growing.
Right now the State Fire Marshal's office is debating banning open fires and/or the use of personal fireworks statewide but some local fire departments aren't waiting for the state to take action.
"With the extreme fire danger that we're in, I would not be having anything with any open flames like fireworks, sparklers--anything," said Delhi Township Fire Chief Brian Ball.
Ball is monitoring conditions, but without much rain in the forecast he's considering a ban on personal fireworks. He's also talking with surrounding departments about joining.
"We don't want to be the bad guys out there but we have to look out for the safety of the people we protect," Ball added.
The problem isn't just launching the fireworks, it's also what falls to the ground since in dry conditions like this the debris can light a fire in seconds.
"Even a small flame can get an uncontrollable fire going in an instant," Ball explained.
It's a risk Meridian Township isn't willing to take, so if things don't change it's fireworks show could be postponed till New Years Eve.
"I would say we're about 99 percent sure we're not going to go, but we are going to wait and see and make an official call on Thursday," explained LuAnn Maisner, Director of Parks and Recreation in Meridian Township.
In Delta Township crews are hoping to save this year's show. They set up sprinklers at Sharp Park and are watering the grass until the day of it's fireworks.
The fire risk changes depending on where you are. Most areas in western Michigan are at either low or moderate risk but those ratings are constantly changing.
