Burn ban meeting scheduled ahead of 4th of July

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK)—Firework sellers in Charlotte County say customers are buying fireworks despite the county's burn ban, hoping it will be lifted before the Fourth of July.

The Charlotte County commissioners have scheduled a special meeting Thursday to discuss rescinding the burn ban ahead of the 4th of July weekend.

"When you start seeing the ditches fill up, and the canals, and on the side of the roadways with water, that's when we'll be looking to remove that burn ban," said Matthew McElroy, fire chief for Charlotte County.

The WINK News Weather Authority team has been tracking the drought in the county. A majority of Charlotte County is still moderate to severely dry.

Ahead of the 250th celebration of the country's independence, fireworks sales are up at Setti Fireworks. 

"This is the second Fourth of July for us, but respect the last year is 30% more than last year at the moment. But the people wait to the last minute all the time," Setti said.y

Francesco Setti, owner of Setti Fireworks, expects more customers Friday and Saturday. 

His customers have been looking for patriotic colors, family-friendly fireworks and, Setti said, "a very big finale."

Setti said some of his customers are from out of county where fireworks will be legal Saturday. His customers in Charlotte County hope the ban will be lifted.

"They are worried about the fire ban. They hope that the fire ban can be removed 'cause it's raining every day. Today it's raining, and tomorrow again, and they are not so worried about the ban for the fee," Setti said.

There are three days a year that it's legal to use fireworks in Florida: New Year's Day, New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July. Charlotte County's burn ban supersedes holiday law.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said this holiday weekend safety has to come first, even if that means leaving the firework displays to the professionals.

WINK News will keep you updated on the county's burn ban.