(Corpus Christi, December 27, 2007) Samantha Perales purchased dozens of fireworks to celebrate her son's first new year. Although she plans to welcome 2008 in the county, Perales knows others will not. Samantha Perales said, "Be careful, because I've seen that brush fire on Padre Island because it's dry. Corpus Christi fire fighters say extreme dry conditions have forced them to take drastic steps to prevent people from lighting fireworks in the city. One fire officials said, "This year the fine is $2,000 per packet, we just want to remind people that's in possession doesn't have to be used." Fire fighters say that includes sparklers as well. Even Nueces County leaders say although they didn't meet the state standard needed to issue a fireworks ban by the deadline of December 15th. The judge is asking the public to be safe when using fireworks this new years eve.