Freddie Bowers and his dad, Larry, have sold fireworks in LaVergne, Tenn., for a lifetime. But, the sparklers are off limits this year since the region has had the hottest streak in recorded history and several small fires in the area have been blamed on fireworks.
For people in the fireworks business, Christmas usually comes in July. Only this year, three-quarters of the country are experiencing some level of drought and from the Mountain West to the Southeast, cities are temporarily banning fireworks.
Good luck, however, keeping the Bowers — admitted pyros — out of their stash.
“They’re not going to ban Christmas,” Freddie says. “They’re not going to ban Fourth of July.”
Larry is prepared to pay a price for the rush of lighting a fuse.
“I do it because it’s my Independence Day,” he says. “And whether I shoot one firework or 10, I don’t want to break that tradition. I’m not going to. They’re just going to have to fine me if they catch me.”
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