Dubois County and cities declare state of emergency and issue fireworks ban

Faced with the threat of fires from personal use of fireworks Jasper, Huntingburg and the County Commissioners declared a state of emergency this morning and banned all fireworks throughout the county.

The executive orders issued by Huntingburg and Jasper are effective for seven days. Indiana law allows unrestricted usage of consumer fireworks from June 30 to July 9, it is unclear whether an executive order will be reissued to cover the full time frame.

Citizens found in violation of the executive order face fines up to $2500, imprisonment for up to 180 days and civil damages.

Under the current Indiana law, no county or city can enact an ordinance to control fireworks from June 30 to July 9, but under the declaration of a state of emergency, the local governments can supersede these ordinances for safety concerns.

Originally the Dubois County cities were concerned about potential law suits from the Indiana Fireworks Association, but the head of the the group has since stated they will not sue counties and towns that ban fireworks.

Jasper is still currently recovering from a water emergency and all outside water use is still banned for residents and businesses (story here).

Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner said the city is not lacking for water. Huntingburg receives about 60% of its water from the Patoka Lake Water and Sewage District and the rest from Huntingburg Lake. In light of the drought and the fact that many municipalities use Patoka as their water source, Mayor Spinner is asking that citizens of Huntingburg conserve water.

The Bombers Fireworks to be held at League Stadium on July 3 and 4 are cancelled as well as the Strassenfest Fireworks.

Thunder over Patoka is still on for tonight at around 10 p.m. and DNR has opened the beach up for viewing the show.