From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for June 27, 1988:

Fireworks fans were facing a possible dud of a Fourth of July as the continued lack of rain had city officials pondering a fireworks ban. Oskaloosa, Linwood, and DeSoto had already imposed a ban for this year, and Lawrence city officials were expected to discuss the issue this afternoon. Although the sale of fireworks was illegal within Lawrence city limits, the city did allow people to explode their pyrotechnics during certain hours on July 2, 3, and 4. However, extremely dry weather conditions were prompting a possible ban because of fire risk. “[Fire Chief] Jim McSwain and I have had some conversations about the problem,” said City Manager Buford Watson this morning. “Obviously there are a lot of hazards right now and continue to be. But we have made no decision.” According to city code, McSwain, with the approval of Watson, had the authority to impose a ban, but the city manager had recommended holding off until it had been discussed with the city commission.