County: Fireworks limited in agreement with vendors
Hays County Judge Liz Sumter announced today that due to severe drought conditions local fireworks sellers and suppliers have voluntarily agreed to refrain from selling what are commonly called “sticks and fins” fireworks – skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins – for the upcoming July 4 holiday.
Hays County and local firework providers, who were concerned about the impact of stick-and-fin-type fireworks during this prolonged drought, met Thursday to discuss ways to ensure that people can enjoy fireworks while maintaining an appropriate level of safety.
“We appreciate the strong support from our local fireworks representatives,” Sumter said. “Much to their credit, many had already removed ‘sticks and fins’ from their inventory, anticipating the drought conditions. We are very blessed here in Hays County that these business owners are as concerned for the safety of our citizens as we are.”
Hays County is in a severe drought situation and airborne fireworks present a particular concern to fire officials, since sparks can float over a large area and touch off grass and brush fires.
Another option the county could have considered is a disaster declaration that would ban fireworks entirely, “which was something we consider as a last resort,” Sumter said.
“We met with representatives from several major area fireworks companies to address this issue and we want to thank them for their pro-active approach in voluntarily limiting the types of fireworks they will sell in our county,” said Mark Chambers, Hays County Fire Marshal.
Chambers reminded people celebrating with fireworks to use precautions: always have a water source such as a bucket or hose handy, supervise minors closely and always check and recheck fireworks discharge areas for any embers which could start a fire.
http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/local/local_story_176193535.html
Hays County and local firework providers, who were concerned about the impact of stick-and-fin-type fireworks during this prolonged drought, met Thursday to discuss ways to ensure that people can enjoy fireworks while maintaining an appropriate level of safety.
“We appreciate the strong support from our local fireworks representatives,” Sumter said. “Much to their credit, many had already removed ‘sticks and fins’ from their inventory, anticipating the drought conditions. We are very blessed here in Hays County that these business owners are as concerned for the safety of our citizens as we are.”
Hays County is in a severe drought situation and airborne fireworks present a particular concern to fire officials, since sparks can float over a large area and touch off grass and brush fires.
Another option the county could have considered is a disaster declaration that would ban fireworks entirely, “which was something we consider as a last resort,” Sumter said.
“We met with representatives from several major area fireworks companies to address this issue and we want to thank them for their pro-active approach in voluntarily limiting the types of fireworks they will sell in our county,” said Mark Chambers, Hays County Fire Marshal.
Chambers reminded people celebrating with fireworks to use precautions: always have a water source such as a bucket or hose handy, supervise minors closely and always check and recheck fireworks discharge areas for any embers which could start a fire.
http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/local/local_story_176193535.html
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