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 As people celebrate our 232nd Independence Day tomorrow
police will be out in greater numbers to ensure they can respond to calls of people
illegally using fireworks and shooting guns in the air.
Capt. Mike Davis said the night shift was actually increased
the past couple of nights as people impatient for July 4 to come light up
illegal fireworks. Friday night will see the largest number of extra officers
driving around the city to react to the calls, he said.
Sgt. Terry Kuykendall said Tuesday that the department
responded to 565 fireworks calls last year, but he didn’t have the records yet
for arrests made.
The portion of the city’s ordinance on fireworks is listed
below:
 Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for
any person to possess, store, offer for sale, sell at retail, set off, ignite
or otherwise explode any firecrackers or other fireworks by whatever name
called within the city limits; provided that the use of fireworks for public
displays shall be allowed upon recommendation by the fire marshal and
authorization of the City Council, only after all of the provisions of NFiPa
1123 are met and all necessary permits have been issued. Every such use or
display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the fire marshal
and shall be of such character and so located, discharged or fired so as not to
be hazardous to property or endanger any person. The fine or penalty for
violating this provision, upon conviction in municipal court, shall be not less
than twenty-five and 00/100 dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred and
00/100 dollars ($500.00).
Fire Marshal Lt. Mark Shoemaker’s article for the city’s
E-letter was lifted and pasted below that gives some common sense tips for
folks who might be heading out to an area where fireworks are legal. They will
work for those of you who may be deciding to light some even though they are
illegal in North Little Rock.
The North Little Rock Fire Department wants everyone to have
a fun and safe summer. Whether you are grilling in the backyard, hanging out at
the pool, or spending a weekend at the lake. Fireworks are bound to come into play
at one point or another. We recommend you watch a professional fireworks display,
however, if you choose to have a show of your own, there are a few simple rules
to follow that will help you make this 4th July, one to remember.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates
that 8,800 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2002. During
the past 10 years, about a third of the injuries associated with fireworks have
been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks.
1. Check local laws. Make sure that fireworks are legal
where you live. (They are NOT in North
Little Rock).
2. If they are legal, know what kinds are legal and what
kinds aren't.
3. Don't let small children play with fireworks or set them
off. Adults should either ignite the fireworks, or supervise older children who
are doing it.
4. Read the warnings, rules and instructions. Then, after
you read them, follow them to the letter.
5. Wear eye protection and keep all parts of your body out
of the line of fire.
6. Make sure the audience is out of range of misfired or
misdirected rockets and roman candles.
7. Set off the fireworks on a hard, flat surface away from
anything flammable.
8. Wait several minutes before walking up to a firework that
didn't go off. Don't try to relight duds or mis-fires. Soak them in water.
9. Have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
10. Buy fireworks from reliable retailers.
11. Never experiment with fireworks or try to make homemade
ones.
12. Avoid storing fireworks for extended periods. If you
must store them, keep them in a cool, dry place.
13. When the show is over, soak the expended fireworks and
dispose of them in a trash container.
14. M-80s and "blockbusters" are not legal
fireworks; they are dangerous, banned explosives. They are extremely dangerous.
Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the product, the
manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use.
15. If you attend a professional display:
• You don't need to get close. The best view is from several
hundred yards away.
• If debris falls nearby, don't touch it.
• Leave pets at home. Dogs, in particular, can have their
hearing damaged by the explosion.
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