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Burn ban calls for fireworks ban
Published Friday, July 3, 2009
Where there are fireworks, there is fire.
But the mentality of local officials to acquiesce means we’ll all be doing a whole lot of hoping this weekend.
Officials in Adams County and Louisiana have felt it important to enact burn bans due to dry grounds, hot temperatures and evasive rains.
We are all at risk of fast-spreading grass fires that could engulf larger structures.
Yet both Adams County and Concordia Parish officials made a point to say fireworks are excluded from the bans.
Everyone issued warnings and urged caution, but no one was brave enough to say “no fireworks.”
Sure, it’s difficult to be a party-pooper.
But it’s even more difficult to clean up charred rubble, or worse, visit friends in the hospital.
If it’s dry enough for a burn ban, it’s dry enough for a fireworks ban.
Professionals will be exploding dozens of fireworks under the watchful eye of the Natchez Fire Department tonight during the citywide show. Other experts will light more sky bombs on Lake St. John Saturday.
Why not allow these two shows to go on and encourage community unity by pushing local residents to view one of the professional shows instead of lighting their own fireworks?
The decision to allow fireworks is ill advised at best, potentially devastating at worst.
If you plan to shoot fireworks this weekend, please do so in an open area with a healthy water source nearby.
We hope and pray the officials’ mentality — don’t rock the boat until the ship is already sinking — won’t cause heartache this weekend.
Comments
Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wondered when I read there was a burn ban, why it did not include fireworks.It is too dry for fireworks this year.We always find the remnants of fireworks in our yard..not used by us.It always concerns me our house might catch on fire.
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree 100%. All one has to do is look at Southern California (which usually has a lush, tropical climate) to see what dry weather plus one little fire can do to a community.
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You bunch of latte-drinkin communists should regulate yourselves and not impose any mamby-pamby rules on the county where a man can be a man and he can burn his own field and acreage for a thrill if he wants to.
Sorry -- just kidding -- I couldn't resist the same old big government whine I hear so often used for so many solutions.
Truth is, it is extremely dangerous to shoot fireworks right now and people should use some significant thinking when they decide where they are going to do it. Judgment call if folks from Mississippi can rustle up such thinking in numbers that would keep us all safe. I like to keep some distance from other folks so I feel safe for the challenge. I'm comfortable with a warning and not a ban.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ban 'em.
Posted by bayougal (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hoping for the best. Got the water hose close!
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will be shooting fireworks with my daughter tonight after the ones on the river because she didn't get to last year and this will be her first time to really remember it. I will be shooting them on a concrete driveway and have a water hose nearby "just in case." Some people can think for themselves without a "big brother" doing it for me. It's funny how certain groups of people claim "big brother" whenever it comes to intelligence gathering yet think it's okay for government to dictate every minute detail of your life. LOL.
Posted by sdaafrye (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is too dry for fireworks. It is not just where the fireworks are launched but also where they land. The water hose wont always reach that far.
Posted by sicntired (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think, while most of Natchez has been babied their entire life, there's still a few people that have a little common since. it would be un-American not to shoot fireworks on the 4th!
Be respectful and responsible, but enjoy yourself and don't forget what this holiday is all about! Our FREEDOM & INDEPENDECE
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the decision not to shoot fireworks this year is the most respectful and responsible choice.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We had a great time shooting fireworks last night and I managed not to burn anything down. Everyone is so concerned about others being responsible enough with fireworks. The other day someone pulled up in a car playing music with obscene language in ear shot of my young daughter. Where's the outrage about that. Where's the enforcement of a loud-music ordinance. Maybe we don't have one.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Loud music will not burn my house down.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
neither will my fireworks
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope you are right, swapmeet.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am. We don't live next to each other.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Loud music won't burn anyone's house down.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neither will my fireworks.
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