4th of July warning

[MissKitty]

A cop friend of mine told me that the police and fire are going to be enforcing the "no fireworks" laws in the Civic Center parking lot on the 4th of July. If you're going to be there, save your fireworks for shooting in your driveway or you might lose them.

I didn't know this, but it is against the law to shoot off fireworks on city streets or public property, and there is a $150 fine if you're caught, plus they take away your fireworks. He said there was an article in the paper, but I missed it. Being the smarta$$ I am, I asked how come the city could shoot them off if we couldn't; I was told they get a permit every year to do it. Huh huh, he said "do it".

I guess last year it was like a war zone in the CC parking lot, and some of the personal fireworks people were shooting off came close to hitting people. I wasn't there...I was watching the show from the best seat in town: my roof. Some of the officers are going to be assigned to patrol the parking lot and hand out tickets to violators.

[Helper]

Taken from the globe 6/19/2007



City OKs fireworks ban waiver
By Mark Vierthaler
Dodge City Daily Globe

The Dodge City Commission voted unanimously Monday to temporarily lift the ban on the use of fireworks within the city limits for the Fourth of July.
Fire Chief Dan Williamson said he and Police Chief John Ball had met and discussed the terms of enforcement for the temporary waiver.

On July 2, 3 and 4, residents of Dodge City will be allowed to discharge fireworks within city limits, on their own property, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Williamson said not all fireworks regulations will be affected by the waiver. Revelers will not be allowed to use fireworks on city-owned property or within 5,000 feet of the hospital entrance.

During the city's fireworks display on July 4, people will also be restricted from discharging fireworks in the Civic Center and Memorial Stadium parking lots.

Williamson said anyone caught violating the guidelines would first be warned, then issued a ticket.

Commissioner Terry Lee said some people had expressed concern that 11 p.m. was too late to allow fireworks to be set off.

Williamson said it would be a double standard for the city to start its own fireworks show between 10 and 11 p.m. and then not allow citizens the same right.

It was important for people to realize that Dodge was still under a ban, Williamson said, even if it was temporarily not in effect.

"Mom and dad need to know it's only for three days," he said. "So, they need to let their children know."

[Made in the USA]

Thank God, because last time I was in the CC parking lot for the fireworks show, I felt like I was taking my life into my own hands. In addition, I was surprised that the CC wasn't set afire, along with several vehicles, etc! Very dangerous.

[Army_of_One]

Ban? HA..just wait. See how many people are setting fireworks off in the street and how many are setting them off outside the days you can shoot them and the times. The police will be tooooo busy to enforce this.

[TheWizzard]

Why would they " enforce " it now. In the past everybody has gotten away with it why not now? What is the big deal with the Civic Center parking lot and Memorial Stadium? The BIG show this year is down in the park... right?? I say at least in the parking lot you dont have to worry much about starting a fire.

[Army_of_One]

Is the fireworks show this year the same place it's always been?

[TexKan]

Fireworks are banned in our cities............. all the time. You can go to the beach and set them off and usually be OK but other than that - nope. I have enjoyed some really nice firework displays courtesy of folks that decided not to abide by the rules. Our cops set them off at the rifle range out by the dike or turn them inot the disposal at Galveston.

[deuce91]

Last night, my neighbors were shooting off their fireworks. So much for my peaceful nights. I can call the police, but by the time they get there, the punks have gone back inside. Personally, I think the vendors should not be allowed to sell fireworks until they can be lawfully discharged. This would cut down on this type of crap. Sorry for the bad mood, lack of sleep does that to me!

However, I am ready for the big show at Memorial. I probably won't make it to the ice cream/music social down in Wright Park, tho.

[TexKan]

Ya'll have such wonderful 4th of July's - Ours is so crowded and so much nonsense goin on - course Houston puts on a Laser show and has top name bands and such but going there and dealing with that all day is not something I wanna do. I watch it on TV and watch other folks' display.

Ya'll still have that small town ability to put on a lovely show and still be able to walk to your car across the street. Just one of the fond memories I have - layin in the grass by the firestation or across from the church watchin kids play and awsome fireworks. Ahhhhhhhhh

[TheWizzard]

I thought I read that there will be a lot of things going on in Wright Park. I also heard that there will be the big fireworks shot off.. I assumed from the river.