Fireworks Ban?
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 3, 2012
By Billy Davis
It might have been like ducking a bottle rocket.
Panola County supervisors managed to avoid a controversial vote Monday when they learned a decision to ban fireworks on the eve of Independence Day was unnecessary.
“Legally I don’t think you can. So it’s a moot point,” declared Daniel Cole, the Panola County EMA director, who then tossed the topic to board attorney Bill McKenzie.
McKenzie explained that the Board of Supervisors must hold a public hearing on the matter, which is impractical since July 4 was just two days away.
Panola County government would also need to advertise the public hearing, stretching the matter into several weeks.
Public officials in Sardis, Como and Crenshaw have announced a fireworks ban in those municipalities due to the dry conditions.
It was unknown as press time Monday if Batesville would act on the same matter though Police Chief Tony Jones urged caution and parental involvement with fireworks to avoid accidental fires.
The county board voted last week to approve a countywide burn ban on the recommendation of the Mississippi Forestry Commission. The burn ban is set to expire July 9, a week later, but will continue if there is no rain.
Cole, alluding to last week’s decision, said some believe the new burn ban includes fireworks while others do not.
“I read the order and fireworks is not in the document,” McKenzie told the board.
Cole reported to supervisors that Panola County had recorded 18 grass and woods fires since the burn ban was implemented last Friday.