Fire Chief Steve Sims wants residents to enjoy their Fourth of July holiday weekend, but he wants them to practice caution if they're going to shoot off fireworks.
"I've got no problem with fireworks as long as people adhere to the city ordinance and take safety precautions," Sims said. "You can get a copy of the ordinance from City Hall or call the Fire Department at 479-855-8249 for more information."
DO — Have knowledgeable supervision by an experienced adult if you choose to use fireworks.
DO — Buy fireworks from reputable dealers
DO — Read warning labels and follow all instructions
DO — Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
DO — Light fireworks one at a time
DO — Dispose of all fireworks properly
DON’T — Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by a responsible adult
DON’T — Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
DON’T — Place your body over a fireworks device when trying to light the fuse and immediately back up to a safe distance after you light it.
DON’T — Point or throw fireworks at another person, ever
DON’T — Try to re-light or pick up fireworks not ignited fully
DON’T — Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
DON’T — Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers — the fragments can cause severe injury.
DON’T — Carry fireworks in a pocket.
DON’T — Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Source: American College
of Emergency Physicians
Sims was referring to an ordinance the City Council passed in 2008, which outlined rules and restrictions for fireworks used within Bella Vista.
In the summer months, residents are allowed to shoot fireworks from June 27 through July 11, between 6 a.m. and midnight, according to the ordinance. Aerial fireworks, like bottle rockets, are illegal.
No fireworks shall be discharged on any city-owned property and no fireworks shall be used on private property without the owner's consent, according to the ordinance.
Residents also can find a copy of the ordinance online at www.cityofbellavista.com. On the right-hand side of the page in a small box is a link for "City of Bella Vista Code of Ordinances." Click the link and you will be taken to an archive of city codes.
The contents are on the left-hand side of the page. Look under Chapter 20, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, then click on Sec. 20-3 -- Use of fireworks. Once you open the ordinance, a print icon will appear above the text in the top right corner of the page.
Alongside following factory recommendations for fireworks, Sims suggests keeping a water source nearby, whether it's a hose, fire extinguisher or bucket of water.
"Fireworks safety is always important because at this time of year when it's a warm and dry season, there's a higher risk for fire," Sims said. "Make sure you also have good defensible space ... an amount of clearance between a home and a fire ... when shooting fireworks and try to launch from a concrete base."
Sims encourages adult supervision while using fireworks and implores any resident who has questions or concerns while shooting fireworks not to hesitate to call the Fire Department.
The department will oversee the city's annual fireworks show Friday, July 3, at Loch Lomond Dam, Sims said. The show should begin at dusk -- around 9:30 p.m. -- and last for 25-30 minutes.
Fireworks City has set up a tent in the parking lot of Wishing Spring Gallery, 8862 McNelly Road. Fireworks will be on sale through July 5. The tent is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on July 2-4, when it will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight.
General News on 07/01/2015