This year's hot dry conditions are making it hard for Jack McQuarrie to keep his yard hydrated.
McQuarrie steps outside at least four times a day to refill nearly a dozen bird baths that dot the landscape of his backyard.
"We're big on birds around here," he says. "I like to spray down the trees really good too... because your smaller birds will come and start cavorting amidst the leaves in the trees to cool off."
As drought conditions deepen, McQuarrie is starting to worry because the city of Rogers is one of the few in Northwest Arkansas still allowing the use of personal fireworks.
"Hey I used to be a kid," McQuarrie says. "I remember what it was like to set off firecrackers."
But he thinks today's stands sell stuff that's a little too potent, and last year his neighbors lit up the sky over his home.
"I've never seen anything like it," he says. "They were almost like bombs. They just exploded over the top here and the sparks and the embers would float on down."
Captain Matt Miller of the Rogers Fire Department agrees that conditions are not ideal for firework displays.
"It potentially could cause some problems," he says. "I would be leery of letting my kids set off fireworks at this temperature right now."
But Miller believes adults can still safely celebrate, by taking precautions and setting up in the right spots.
"If they're in a parking lot it would be better, with a lot of concrete and asphalt around," he says. "
Mayor Greg Hines plans to discuss the situation with the Fire Chief on Sunday, and says he won't make a decision until then. He believes a ban would be tough to enforce, and won't declare one unless the Chief tells him it is absolutely necessary.
Hines also says if he does issue a ban, the city's display will also be canceled. Hines says it wouldn't be fair to have a show of his own after telling others it isn't safe.
McQuarrie doesn't understand why the mayor doesn't just follow his neighbors lead.
"Why does he have this overpowering need to wait?" McQuarrie asks. "The other counties in Arkansas hasn't, Springdale didn't. What's to wait for? Every weather forecast I watch says we're going to get at least another week of this."
McQuarrie steps outside at least four times a day to refill nearly a dozen bird baths that dot the landscape of his backyard.
"We're big on birds around here," he says. "I like to spray down the trees really good too... because your smaller birds will come and start cavorting amidst the leaves in the trees to cool off."
As drought conditions deepen, McQuarrie is starting to worry because the city of Rogers is one of the few in Northwest Arkansas still allowing the use of personal fireworks.
"Hey I used to be a kid," McQuarrie says. "I remember what it was like to set off firecrackers."
But he thinks today's stands sell stuff that's a little too potent, and last year his neighbors lit up the sky over his home.
"I've never seen anything like it," he says. "They were almost like bombs. They just exploded over the top here and the sparks and the embers would float on down."
Captain Matt Miller of the Rogers Fire Department agrees that conditions are not ideal for firework displays.
"It potentially could cause some problems," he says. "I would be leery of letting my kids set off fireworks at this temperature right now."
But Miller believes adults can still safely celebrate, by taking precautions and setting up in the right spots.
"If they're in a parking lot it would be better, with a lot of concrete and asphalt around," he says. "
Mayor Greg Hines plans to discuss the situation with the Fire Chief on Sunday, and says he won't make a decision until then. He believes a ban would be tough to enforce, and won't declare one unless the Chief tells him it is absolutely necessary.
Hines also says if he does issue a ban, the city's display will also be canceled. Hines says it wouldn't be fair to have a show of his own after telling others it isn't safe.
McQuarrie doesn't understand why the mayor doesn't just follow his neighbors lead.
"Why does he have this overpowering need to wait?" McQuarrie asks. "The other counties in Arkansas hasn't, Springdale didn't. What's to wait for? Every weather forecast I watch says we're going to get at least another week of this."
