By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Because of the chances for rain and cooler temperatures this weekend, Ellis County residents will be allowed to shoot off fireworks in the county this Fourth of July holiday.

At a special meeting Thursday morning, the Ellis County Commission voted to lift the current ban to allow fireworks in unincorporated Ellis County from July 2 through July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“It’s just so unusual for us,” Commissioner Barb Wasinger said. “If we don’t take advantage of it, with such a wet June, I can’t imagine a scenario where there would be a better opportunity too (lift the ban).”

Commissioner Dean Haselhorst added the he received a number of calls from residents urging the commission to lift the ban, although on Wednesday he “had as many nos as yeses.”

Rural Fire Director Darin Myers said that even though the conditions have improved, he was still not in favor of lifting the ban.

Myers said he is not against fireworks, but allowing them in the county puts not only residents but also the volunteer firefighters’ safety at risk.

The July 2 through July 4 time period from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. matches the timeframe the city of Hays allows fireworks.