The NEA Town Courier received a call from a Gosnell resident requesting a warning note about the dangers of large-type fireworks being shot in residential areas.
“With the Fourth of July coming up, I just think people should be cautious about shooting off the commercial-type fireworks in residential areas,” the caller said. “Some are 3 feet long and are like an arrow coming down. Last year we had several to land in our backyard. The small ones do not bother me but the larger ones do and I just want people to realize they can be dangerous.”
Some towns do have regulations about shooting fireworks in the city limits and it would be a good idea to check any ordinances or rules before shooting off fireworks. Public area fireworks displays scheduled are:
— Leachville: Sunday, July 4, 9:11 p.m. at Adams Gin lot.
— Caraway: Saturday, July 3, 9 p.m. at the ballpark.
— Blytheville: Sunday, July 4, at dusk at the Arkansas Aeroplex
Fireworks regulations in area towns
Manila
Manila Chief of Police Chris Hill said officers want people to have fun and fireworks are common during the Fourth of July holiday.
They do ask everyone to be courteous of others and stop shooting off fireworks at 10 p.m.
Also, no fireworks will be allowed in the city limits of Manila after July 5. He also reminded residents to be cautious in dry conditions. If there is a burn ban in the city or county, no fireworks will be allowed
Blytheville
Sunday will be July the 4th and the Blytheville Police Department wants to remind everyone that City Ordinance #87 or Codified #7 17.01 prohibits persons from discharging fireworks and City Ordinance #1822 or Codified #7.16,01 prohibits the discharge of firearms in the city limits of Blytheville. There will be additional officers on duty to strictly enforce these city ordinances.
Person or persons will be issued a citation or may be arrested if caught violating these ordinances. If you light it and there is a fuse involved then it is banned. However, sparklers are allowed in the city. There will be an annual fireworks show at the Aeroplex at dusk July 4.
Gosnell
Ordinance 49 makes it illegal to sell or shoot fireworks in Gosnell, though it allows for exceptions to be granted.
Caraway
Fireworks in Caraway will be limited to July 3 and 4 with a cutoff time of 10 p.m. Caraway will have its annual fireworks display at the ballpark at 9 p.m.
Monette
Monette will allow fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday until 10 p.m. Mayor Bob Blankenship said they want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July but they do ask everyone to be courteous and cautious when shooting fireworks.
Lake City
Lake City will allow fireworks to be shot on July 4 until 11 p.m.