By BRIAN HODGE

This year’s drought has left Millbrook along with many other parts of the country with plenty of dry ground, scorched leaves and flammable vegetation. One thing that has been in no short supply is the yearly enthusiasm consumers have over Independence Day and the ensuing fireworks displays. But officials say that even with recent rain showers the threat of fire from fireworks remains high. 
Mayor Al Kelley and Fire Chief Larry Brown say that the conditions in Millbrook are not such as to prompt them to consider a temporary ban on fireworks in the city. However both caution that common sense and good judgment should be used when deciding to light any fuses this summer.
“If Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll be fine. We don’t want to ban them completely at this point.  If the weather breaks and we get some more of this rain then we should be okay,” Kelley said.
If the recent rain showers don’t continue on a regular basis and the drought persists then the City of Millbrook could be facing a setback of its own. Millbrook Summerfest, the city’s annual birthday celebration, is concluded each year with an elaborate fireworks display. If conditions become such that the city would impose a ban on fireworks it would almost certainly inhibit plans for the Summerfest display and that could weaken attendance numbers.

Fire works safety tips
1. Try to avoid bottle rockets, roman candles and other fireworks that shoot far away from the user. Burning debris from these devices can cause unintended fires in dry leaf matter or other highly flammable areas where they may land.
2. Make sure that there are no flammable materials in your lighting area. 
3. Keep a water hose nearby in case of a fire caused by fireworks. Spray your lighting area down with water before you start lighting fireworks.
4. Always read the directions on fireworks before lighting it and make sure you are the proper distance from the lighting area.
5. Always make sure a responsible adult supervises all use of fireworks.