The 4th of July is less than two weeks away and while many people are stocking up on fireworks, it is important to remember to safely enjoy the holiday.
Great Bend Fire Chief Mike Napolitano says the moisture that the area has received over the last month has eased fears of dry fields catching on fire from discharged fireworks. A concern that pops up every year for the Fire Department is their ability to respond to every call.
Mike Napolitano Audio
Napolitano says his department will staff a few extra firefighters on the 4th of July but there is still a limit on equipment when multiple calls are received. Permits have to be obtained in the City of Great Bend to conduct a block party on the holiday.
Mike Napolitano Audio
Both Great Bend and Ellinwood are keeping the discharge of fireworks to one day on Monday, July 4.
Hours for fireworks in Great Bend are 10 a.m. to midnight. Ellinwood will allow fireworks from 8 a.m. to midnight.
The Hoisington City Council agreed to extend discharge times. The usual time is July 4 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hoisington also authorized discharge on Sunday, July 3 from noon to 11 p.m.
Larned allows fireworks to be shot off July 1-3 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on July 4 from 8 a.m. to midnight.