KENT COUNTY, MI – Hot, dry weather in many parts of the state have Gov. Rick Snyder’s office considering an open-burning ban that could include fireworks as the calendar approaches Independence Day. Fire officials in West Michigan this week were briefed on what one chief characterized as “very preliminary” discussions on a ban that potentially could include both private and community fireworks displays.

A spokeswoman for Snyder said the governor likely will not order a ban by July 4.

"Our department continues to evaluate (dry) conditions throughout the state," said Ed Golder, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokesman. "We've issued press releases warning people about those conditions and how best to use fireworks and how not to use fireworks.

“One of the things we are going to recommend to local fire departments is that they have fire suppression on the scene when they do community fireworks displays.”

A federal government drought monitor shows that much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula as well as a swath across southern Lower Peninsula – including Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Barry counties – has "abnormally dry" conditions. A few Michigan counties are in a moderate drought.

Golder said a ban could address outdoor burning of leaves, recreational campfires or fireworks. An open-burning ban ordered earlier this year in 49 Michigan counties, including Muskegon and Newaygo counties, in response to the Duck Lake fire in the Upper Peninsula prohibited the sale and use of fireworks in some counties.

RELATED: Duck Lake Fire cost in the millions; fire season could heat up this weekend

Though the DNR has concern about the potential for fire “in some of the more drought-like conditions” around Michigan, Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher said it does not appear that any open-burning bans will be needed before July 4.

“We don’t anticipate it before the holiday,” she said. “If the governor were to do a statewide or county-by-county (order), he typically consults with the fire program over at DNR and at this point they don’t anticipate a need for a ban before the Fourth.”

Some Michigan municipalities, like Three Rivers near Kalamazoo and Fenton near Flint, have enacted local open-burning bans in response to dry conditions. In Kent County, Grandville this week enacted restrictions on a new state fireworks law in part due to concern about potential fire hazards. Walker also approved restrictions on the state law that now permits the sale of certain "consumer fireworks" in Michigan.

RELATED: Hot, dry weather sparks fireworks concern in Grandville after blaze in park

Grandville Fire Chief Mike May said area chiefs were briefed on state talks about an open-burning ban this week. He said “they stressed that the discussions were very preliminary and no decision or recommendation was imminent.”

Email Matt Vande Bunte, or follow him on Twitter.