By Associated Press
Montevallo, AL – Drought conditions and the risk of fire have prompted officials with the American Village in Montevallo to scrap plans for its Fourth of July fireworks display.
Instead of fire works, officials are considering using a laser light show - a decision is expected Monday. Tom Walker, executive director of the park, said their annual Independence Day event could go forward, if the area receives adequate rainfall over the weekend.
Earlier this week, state Forester Linda Casey signed an order to ease fireworks restrictions in 33 northern and central Alabama counties. It allows ground level fireworks such as basic firecrackers, sparklers and poppers.
Three major Alabama fireworks dealers agreed to pull bottle rocket-type fireworks from their shelves for July Fourth sales.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)