Fireworks wouldn't be sold if Douglas County in July is a tinderbox, under a proposed resolution.
"I wouldn't want to be a commissioner when it's a hot, dry Fourth of July weekend," Commissioner Bob Johnson said Monday, after hearing about a plan to prohibit fireworks sales if the county has a "burn ban" in effect.
The new resolution -- coming three years after Lawrence prohibited fireworks within city limits, pushing their use into rural areas -- also would place new safety restrictions on the sale of pyrotechnics in the county:
- Fireworks stands would need to be at least 25 feet from the right of way of any road or highway.
- Smoking would be prohibited within 100 feet of any fireworks stand.
- Structures housing a fireworks stand must be made of flame-resistant material or treated to be flame-retardant.
- A fire extinguisher and telephone would be required at fireworks stands for use in emergencies.
County may permit firework displays (06-20-04)
6News video: Fireworks stands will be more regulated this yearThe county's existing fireworks resolution doesn't address such safety issues, according to county zoning and codes director Keith Dabney. The 1988 resolution provides a definition for fireworks and states when they can be sold and used but says nothing beyond that.
Dabney shared a photo with commissioners that showed an extension cord in standing water. The cord was hooked up to run a cash register at a fireworks stand.
"So the cashier was standing in water," Dabney said. "This case with the cord was almost shocking."
Members of the Douglas County Fireworks Assn. agree with most changes in the proposal.
Larry Bartz, of the association, said the only clause he took exception to was not allowing alcohol within 100 feet of a fireworks stand.
"Everything else we hashed out, and we're good with," Bartz said.
Fireworks can be sold in the county from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 2 and 3 and 7 a.m. to midnight July 4. They can be used in the county during the same time periods. The Lawrence City Commission prohibited the possession and use of fireworks in the city under an ordinance adopted in 2002.
County commissioners did have ideas for minor changes in the proposal and took no action Monday. They're expected to pass the resolution at their meeting at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday at the county courthouse, 11th and Massachusetts streets.
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