Fourth of July celebrations take on different tone with drought

Fourth of July celebrations are moving forward across the Triangle despite ongoing drought conditions.

For several area cities, fireworks shows remain on schedule, though communities are continuing to monitor weather and fire risks. Many municipalities have implemented water restrictions. 

Despite a drier-than-normal summer, municipalities including Raleigh, Cary, Apex and Durham say their holiday celebrations are still planned as scheduled.

Dix park here is just one of those places that will see crowds next weekend.

Meanwhile, Chapel Hill is replacing its traditional fireworks display with a drone show.

State forestry officials say drought conditions remain a concern, but fire risks are lower than they were earlier this spring.

“Things do not ignite as quickly, as easily, or spread as fast this time of year as say when March and April were going on," said Phillip Jackson with the NC Forest Service. "Something would ignite and nothing was gonna stop it.”

Officials said they'll continue monitoring conditions ahead of the holiday, and remind residents that all events remain weather dependent.