Photo: Sarah Gill
Mayor Lioneld Jordan plans to ask the Fayetteville City Council to approve an amendment that would allow the use of consumer fireworks on the first Saturday following the lifting of the citywide burn ban, city attorney Kit Williams said on Monday.
As is stands, city code states that fireworks may only be legally discharged inside the city limits between July 1-4. Williams said Jordan’s proposal includes an emergency clause that would allow the change to take effect immediately. The change would also apply to any future burn bans issued during the Fourth of July holiday.
The council will hear the issue during its next regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3.
Extreme heat and dry conditions led to a burn ban issued last week in Fayetteville that prohibits outdoor burning, including the use of fireworks. Fayetteville Fire Marshal Harley Hunt later issued a statement allowing the use of outdoor contained grilling.
Fayetteville police Cpl. Dan Montgomery said those caught using fireworks during a ban could be issued a fine of $120.
Pre-permitted, professional fireworks displays, such as the display scheduled for July 4 at the Northwest Arkansas Mall, will still go on as planned.
