Drought likely will put a damper on Independence Day celebrations across McIntosh County.

Although fireworks may be sold, purchased and possessed, an expanded burn ban approved June 12 by the County Commission remains in effect.

Which means — barring a very significant rain event this week — the use of fireworks anywhere in the county will be illegal on the 4th of July, and on the days leading up to and after the holiday.

Violating the ban could mean being charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Conviction carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

The June 12 resolution from commissioners Neil Meidinger, Perry Turner and Steve Delzer supersedes and expands the previous "rolling ban" that was tied to the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index and 'red flag' weather warnings. It covers all of the county, both cities and rural areas.

"We've gotten some rain during the last three weeks, but nothing has changed as far as the ban," says DeLoris Rudolph, McIntosh County emergency manager.

"If anything, the continued strong winds have made things even drier. We are still in a severe and worsening drought. The ban remains in effect until further notice."

Neighboring counties are under similar burning restrictions, according to their local authorities.