Extreme heat and dry conditions have led to a burn ban in Fayetteville that prohibits outdoor burning of any kind, including the use of fireworks through the Fourth of July.
The news came in a press release issued by city Fire Marshal Harley Hunt and Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
“Lack of precipitation, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions have caused vegetation to become highly combustible,” said Hunt. “Until significant rainfall is received, the burn ban will remain in place.”
Regulated professional fireworks displays, such as the Freedom Fireworks Display scheduled for July 4 at the Northwest Arkansas Mall, will still go on as planned, said city Fire Chief David Dayringer. “It’s a different situation than consumer fireworks,” said Dayringer. “They’re permitted, monitored and include a required separation from the public.”
City officials said they’ll continue to monitor the conditions closely and that an update would be provided when the ban is lifted.
Fayetteville police Cpl. Dan Montgomery didn’t immediately return a phone call for comment, but citations for those caught using fireworks in the city during a ban typically carry a fine of at least $100 (Update: The fine is $120).
The city ban comes just hours after Washington County Judge Marilyn Edwards issued a county-wide burn ban.
