Brett Pine, 5, uses his teeth to tear open a bag of fireworks last year at the Pine family fireworks stand. Fireworks sales will last four days in Douglas County this summer, July 1-4.
Fourth of July celebrations extend an extra day this year
Douglas County Commissioners approve changes to county zoning regulations this morning extending fireworks sales one extra day. Enlarge video
One more day.
Douglas County commissioners on Monday approved a measure that allows fireworks sales for one additional day this year.
Fireworks vendors will be able to sell their products from July 1 through July 4. That also means those folks who like to shoot off fireworks gained a day - although most fireworks are illegal in the city of Lawrence.
At least one rural fire chief doesn't think the move will increase the threat of fires in the county.
"Really and truly, I don't think it is going to make much difference one way or the other," said Randy DeMersseman, chief of the Palmyra Township Fire Department. "One day is not going to be a big deal."
The number of fire calls around the Fourth of July holiday varies from year to year, DeMersseman said. Weather, soil and grass conditions are key factors, he said.
Commissioners also approved giving the county zoning department director the authority to grant certain types of public fireworks display permits.
In April, Douglas County Fireworks Association asked for the extra day of sales to make the group more competitive with fireworks vendors in nearby counties and towns, where sales take place over longer periods.
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compmd (anonymous) says…
About freaking time. Douglas County finally figured out that making people spend money in other counties for fireworks (and gas so they can get back home) is a loss of tax dollars.
purplesage (anonymous) says…
Reasonable, like the lottery and gambling casino, I guess. We ought to outlaw fireworks in Kansas and everywhere else. They are dangerous and a huge waste of money.