Smaller Window For Fireworks Use, in Beatrice

BEATRICE – While many fireworks stands in Nebraska have already started operating, some cities restrict the sales and use time, to a tighter window.

Summer fireworks sales and use are allowed in Nebraska, between June 24^th and July 5th.   But, in the City of Beatrice, the first day is July 1^st...extending through the Fourth of July holiday.

Fire Chief Brian Daake says nine stands have sought permits to operate in Beatrice during this year’s sales period.  They obtain both state and local permits and are inspected by state fire marshal personnel.

While police often deal with late-night noise complaints regarding fireworks, Beatrice Fire and Rescue has both fires and injuries from fireworks, to deal with. The fire chief says officials typically see one or two fires each summer, touched off by fireworks, along with some minor injuries.

Daake says residents should properly dispose of spent fireworks, with one of the best ways to place them in a bucket of water.

Some years ago, a potentially serious situation was averted when a flying lantern…..since banned in Nebraska….landed on the roof of a downtown building. Daake says someone in a high park garage downtown, saw the lantern come down on the roof of the nearby Salvation Army building, and reported it.  A quick response by firefighters helped keep a small fire from growing into a major blaze.

According to 2015 figures, nearly 12,000 people that year went to the emergency room across the U.S. for fireworks injuries.  Daake says there are likely many more…where a minor injury occurred but was not reported to, or treated by medical officials. 

One positive note for this year…..a very wet spring and early summer has reduced the fire hazard, while people are enjoying their fireworks over the holiday.