OGALLALA, Neb. — Fireworks will not be allowed in Ogallala this Fourth of July following a 3-2 vote by the Ogallala City Council to extend a ban originally put in place in May due to heightened fire danger.

The decision comes as western Nebraska continues to face dry conditions and increased wildfire risk. While Council Member Dustin Holstein voted against the ban after reviewing precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service.

“I took great consideration of public safety with how I voted,” Holstein said. “That being said, I highly respect our local fire chief and everyone who volunteers for our community. The council did vote to put the ban in place, and I fully respect the council’s decision to follow the recommendation of our fire chief.”

The fireworks ban prohibits the sale and discharge of fireworks within Ogallala city limits and is set to remain in place through the July 4 holiday.

The decision coincides with new federal disaster declarations across much of western and central Nebraska. On June 2, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 12 Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to prolonged drought conditions. Among them were nearby Deuel and Lincoln Counties. Keith, Cheyenne, Garden, Banner Logan and Sedgwick Counties were also named as contiguous disaster areas.

The USDA declaration opens up access to emergency loan assistance for farmers and ranchers in both primary and adjacent counties. Eligible producers have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for aid.

KNOP-TV contributed to this report.