Fireworks Banned for 4th of July

The usage of fireworks this 4th of July weekend has been banned due to extreme fire hazard due to ongoing drought and extreme heat conditions blistering Valley County.

During their meeting Wednesday, June 30, the three Valley County Commissioners voted unanimously to enact the restrictions.

Valley County is currently in STAGE 1 fire restrictions, which are designed to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger.

During the Wednesday meeting, the commissioners had made provisions allowing for the public display at the fairgrounds to proceed as scheduled. That decision was reversed Thursday in lieu of an updated weather forecast.

"After further review of the weather forecast, discussions with local fire officials and input from Valley County citizens, the Fairgrounds firework display scheduled for July 4th will be canceled," county officials stated in a press release. "As was announced on June 30th, Valley County implemented Stage 1 Fire restrictions starting at 12 a.m. July 1 until further notice. In addition, lighting fireworks are prohibited throughout the county until further notice."

The fireworks ban will be enforced by police and deputies. Infractions could result in misdemeanor charges.

"While Valley County is in stage 1 fire restrictions, we ask all community members and visitors to use extreme caution while celebrating this holiday weekend," officials said. "We urge you to help keep our firefighters and community members safe by strictly adhering to fire restrictions and taking extra precautions to avoid sparking a fire. We also encourage everyone to support the local fireworks businesses but wait to light them off until conditions allow.

RESTRICTIONS

• 1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 CFR 261.52 (a) This includes charcoal barbecues and grills EXCEPT: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites and the use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a ¼" spark arrester type screen is permitted.

• 2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261(b).

• 3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52(h).

• 4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher. 36 CFR 261.52(i)

• 5. Using an explosive. 36 CFR 261.52 (b).