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Clanton fireworks law often ignored
Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009
For many Americans, fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, capping off a day of celebrating independence.
Many people like to create their own fireworks show, but if you live in Clanton, you might want to think twice before launching that skyrocket from your backyard.
According to Clanton Chief of Police Brian Stilwell, there is a city ordinance prohibiting the shooting of fireworks within the city limits unless a permit has been issued.
Although people are not supposed to shoot fireworks in the city limits, many still do.
Stilwell said he anticipates dozens of calls complaining about fireworks this holiday weekend.
"We'll have to address the issues as they come in," Stilwell said. "We do have a grant from [Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs] to have extra officers out over the Fourth of July weekend."
Stilwell said he encourages people to attend the annual fireworks show put on by the city instead of shooting their own fireworks.
For those using fireworks outside the city limits, Clanton Fire Chief David Driver offered tips to help keep your holiday disaster free.
"You don't want children to use them," Driver said. "Always have adult supervision."
Lee Gunn, Thorsby fire chief, agreed.
"Never let your children shoot any fireworks," Gunn said.
People should avoid shooting fireworks in the direction of houses or open fields to prevent accidental fires.
Small fires are often started when people discard used fireworks that are still burning.
Driver suggested putting used fireworks in a bucket of water, as throwing them in a garbage can could result in a flaming garbage can.
Gunn also advocated having water handy.
"Make sure you have a garden hose for spot fires," Gunn said.
But fires are not the only hazard associated with fireworks. Thousands of people seek treatment each year for fireworks-related injuries.
Burns are the most common type of injury.
"Never hold the fireworks in your hands while shooting them," Gunn said.
Gunn also suggested wearing ear protection when shooting off fireworks.
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Comments
Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is everything taken to the extreme. So what, let people shoot fireworks as long as it is not real late at night.
Posted by steve42 (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The city has a noise ordinance, Nimrod. It is illegal to shoot fireworks without a permit in the city limits of nearly every town/city in the state of Alabama, and having lived in Chattanooga and Knoxville (TN) and in Meridian (MS), I can tell you it is illegal in those cities as well.
Clanton has its share of problems, but this isn't one of them.
For those of us who live outside the city limits, I encourage you to check the fields around you. We haven't had enough rain in many parts of the county to dampen the ground.
The advice given me by a fireworks vendor was to stick to the type that go way, way up and explode up there. The "fountains", along with firecrackers, chasers and other earthbound types, are much more likely to start a grass fire because the high-flyers' debris has more time to cool as it falls to the ground. If you don't have a paved, gravel or all dirt area to use with the low-lying fireworks, I'd stay away from them this year.
Posted by pops (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you guys can't get any fireworks in Clanton, come over to the west of the County. County Commissioner Chairman "Fat Daddy" would be glad to sell you guys some. You'll find his stand inside the city limits. Maybe the fireworks stand should check for permits before selling. Hey, we better be careful, they may want to start charging for the permits.
Posted by dixiedreaming (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, I wish they'd ban them throughout the County. Guess what folks, some of us work and have to sleep! Some people are elderly and/or sick. Some have animals that are petrified of the noise. I'm personally tired of picking up the trash left from people popping those things are all hours of the night while I'm trying to sleep for work and then having to hunt up my pets from the hiding places because of the noise.
If you want to see fireworks, go see the bigger shows. Don't subject those of us who prefer a peaceful evening to your noise and trash.
Posted by bobby (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe you need to move.If you dont like it .
Posted by gkeys (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I used to live in the city limits of Davidson County (Nashville, TN). Fireworks are also illegal there throughout the entire county....funny thing, my police officer neighbor and I used to drive to Wilson county, purchase them, bring them home to Nashville and shoot them off together in our yards :-)
Posted by bobby (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
maybe you should move back
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