Independence Day and fireworks typically come hand in hand.

However, most Teche Area communities prohibit the pyrotechnic pastime, even for special holidays. Current dry conditions also are making some local governments, law enforcement and fire departments cautious.

Tracy Sargent of New Iberia said his family has run Cajun Fireworks in town for almost 25 years. The small firecracker-filled tent, near the intersection of Admiral Doyle Drive and Lewis Street, opened for business this Fourth of July season on June 25.

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It will remain open, Sargent said, until Sunday or Monday and he predicts today and Saturday to be the busiest business days.

“We have seen a drop (in sales) the last few years,” Sargent said. “This year we are down (in sales) big time. I don’t know if it’s the weather, the heat or what it is.”

No fireworks are allowed within New Iberia’s city limits, said City Clerk Elmire Elledge.

Elledge said the city has had a ban on bottle rockets and the like for several years. Popping them is an arrestable offense.

There will be a fireworks display in Bouligny Plaza at sundown Saturday.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Wendell Raborn said the department does not typically get an extraordinary amount of complaints of popping fireworks in the city limits. He said when deputies do, they respond and handle the situation appropriately.

“We really don’t have a major problem with fireworks,” Raborn said. “Most everyone is understanding about it and hopefully this year in light of the dry conditions, people will follow the rules and not chance burning someone’s house down just to watch a bottle rocket fly through the air.”

Popping fireworks outside the city limits is allowed in Iberia Parish, said Brenda Bergeron, parish executive secretary.

“We don’t have any restrictions on fireworks,” Bergeron said. “We have recently received a cease and desist order from the state fire marshal for burning debris and stuff. But, at this time that doesn’t apply to popping fireworks for the Fourth.”

St. Martin Parish officials leave the decision to permit fireworks or not to the communities within the parish.

Maj. Ginny Higgins, spokeswoman for the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, said if raucous roman candles spark any grass fires due to “drought-like” conditions in the parish, law enforcement and fire protection may be forced to issue some statement otherwise.

St. Martinville Mayor Thomas Nelson said the city does allow fireworks inside the city limits but advised those who participate to do so with caution.

Fireworks use is banned in St. Mary Parish, where it is also an arrestable offense, said Sheriff David Naquin. Likewise for the city of Franklin, said Lt. Tina Thibodeaux with the Franklin Police Depart-ment.