SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Despite a few recent soggy afternoons, the city of Spanish Fort is prohibiting explicitly the use of fireworks as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.

"Things could change, but at this point we have to do what’s in the best interests of our citizens, and that means keeping them safe," said Mayor Joe Bonner.

The fireworks ban is intended to complement Gov. Robert Bentley’s emergency declaration signed in early June banning all outdoor burning statewide.

According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, some 1,808 wildfires have burned more than 41,000 acres across the state in 2011 to date.

Like the statewide burn order, Bonner said the city’s fireworks ban is effective immediately, but residents will be alerted if the ban is lifted.