Visitors to Mark Twain National Forest will not be able to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks.

Acting Forest Supervisor Teresa Chase announced Thursday  open fires will be restricted due to the heightened fire danger, drought conditions and dry weather forecast for the next few weeks.

Chase said “no open fires are permitted except within campfire rings or pedestal grills” in campgrounds and picnic areas.

While construction is under way to repair levees in southeast Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced today it will allow heavier than normal loads of sand and gravel used in these repairs to travel on selected Missouri highways.

Private and for-hire motor carriers may carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight.  However, the heavier loads are not allowed to use interstate routes or national defense highway routes.