The drought conditions gripping much of southwestern Kansas has taken some of the pop out of this year’s July 4th celebrations.

Commissions in Finney, Hamilton, Haskell, Stanton, Grant and Stevens counties have banned the discharge of fireworks this year.

So far, fireworks will be allowed in Gray, Lane, Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Kearny counties.

Greeley County had banned the fireworks, but changed the policy after a heavy rain Monday.

Ulysses Mayor Thadd Kistler told The Garden City Telegram that he town will use the money set aside for fireworks to offer a free hamburger feed.

In Scott County, officials decided against a ban in part because many vendors already had purchased fireworks.

County Clerk Pam Faurot said Monday’s rain also helped the situation in that county.