Northwest Arkansas cities regulate firework use

Many Northwest Arkansas residents will have a span of a few days this week and weekend to legally set off fireworks in recognition of the Independence Day holiday.

Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton, Springdale, Fayetteville and Farmington allow use of fireworks within city limits between certain times on specific days. Cities vary in their regulations regarding the sale of fireworks.

In Benton County, Rogers Fire Chief Thomas Jenkins said the city has few fireworks-related incidents every year. The city allows the use of fireworks between July 3 and 5, except for fireworks attached to a stick, such as bottle rockets.

There were four fireworks-related fires between July 3 and 5 in 2014, Jenkins said. There were nine during the same days in 2013 and 11 fires in 2012. It's possible there were more fires those years because of drier conditions, he said.

"None of the fires were significant," Jenkins said. "Most were very small. I think we have a good track record and I hope it stays that way."

Jenkins said most of the fires were small grass fires. Occasionally, someone might accidentally shoot fireworks into a garage where there are gasoline cans.

"By and large, people utilize consumer fireworks in a safe manner in the city," Jenkins said.

According to city ordinance, the sale of fireworks is not allowed in Rogers.

Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson said the city receives between 80 to 95 fireworks-related calls every year. The calls typically start about June 28 and continue until July 6, he said.

"Usually the concern is noise related," Simpson said. "People will call if the fireworks are being discharged later at night."

There are some instances in which neighbors are upset when fireworks hit their house, Simpson said.

Simpson said that officers try to avoid issuing citations.

"We want to educate the public," Simpson said.

Bentonville does not allow the sale of fireworks in its city limits, according to ordinance. If a piece of property is annexed into the city and fireworks are currently sold at the location, sales can continue at that location, it states.

Centerton Mayor Bill Edwards said the city ordinance regarding fireworks use was changed slightly after resident complaints last year. The city now allows fireworks until 10 p.m. July 1-3 and July 5 and until midnight on July 4. Previously, the ordinance allowed fireworks until 11 p.m. on nights aside from July 4, but residents said that was too late, Edwards said.

Edwards said a majority of the people who complained said they had to work the next morning and had trouble sleeping.

Centerton does not limit the type of fireworks that can be used. It also allows the sale of fireworks.

People living in unincorporated Benton County have no restrictions on setting off fireworks, said Marc Trollinger, Benton County fire marshal. People can set off any type of fireworks 365 days a year, he said.

There are some restrictions on people selling fireworks, Trollinger said.

"They have to go through our planning division and get a temporary permit," Trollinger said. "Then they will be set up for an inspection with me."

Sellers must have fire extinguishers on site, no smoking signs and allow a certain distance between fireworks and tent walls, Trollinger said.

The county's regulations only apply to people wanting to sell fireworks in unincorporated areas of Benton County, Trollinger said. City officials and fire departments govern the sale of fireworks within individual city limits, he said.

Only a few cities in Benton County allow the sale of fireworks, Trollinger said. This includes Lowell, Bethel Heights, Gentry and Centerton, he said.

In Washington County, fireworks complaints are common this time of year, said Lt. Scott Lewis, public information officer for the Springdale Police Department. The department starts getting calls as soon as the fireworks stands go up, and the number of complaint calls increases as July 4 approaches.

If there is a complaint about fireworks in Springdale -- such as someone using them outside the times they are allowed -- police will usually give a warning first, Lewis said. A citation with a fine can also be issued in this type of situation or if the complaints continue.

People in Springdale can only use fireworks on private property with the property owner's permission, according to the city's code of ordinances. Springdale doesn't allow use of fireworks that are launched from a stick, such as bottle rockets, Lewis said.

Springdale Fire Chief Mike Irwin said the department is most concerned about fireworks landing on someone's roof and setting it on fire. Fireworks also can also cause injuries, like going off in someone's hands or too close to their eyes, he said.

Those that are defined as consumer fireworks under federal law can be sold in Springdale between June 25 and July 5, according to the city's code of ordinances. Anyone wishing to sell fireworks in the city must get a permit though the city clerk's office.

Consumer fireworks that are not prohibited by state or federal law can be used in Fayetteville on private property with the property owner's permission, according to a city ordinance concerning fireworks. Mauro Campos, public information officer for the Fayetteville Fire Department, said fireworks that fly into the air are not allowed.

People are usually safe with fireworks in the city, Campos said.

Sale of fireworks is allowed in Fayetteville, Campos said. Sellers must go through an application process with the city, get a business license and get an inspection from the city's fire marshal. Among the regulations for sellers, they must have fire extinguishers and tents must meet certain rules.

A news release from the city of Fayetteville outlines recommendations for using fireworks. It recommends that people using fireworks be in an open area and be at least 50 feet away from buildings, vehicles, overhanging plants, and people who are watching. It recommends use of a flat surface, having a fire extinguisher and water hose nearby and that people don't wear loose clothing or open-toed shoes.

The release also notes this is the fifth year the sale of fireworks has been allowed in Fayetteville.

Farmington doesn't have any restrictions on the type of fireworks people can use, as long as they are allowed under state and federal law, said Mark Cunningham, fire chief for the Farmington Fire Department.

NW News on 06/30/2015