Fireworks in West Memphis and Marion?

Know your local ordinance and celebrate within city guidelines

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

‘Tis the season. Look to the sky, watch the colors burst, glimmer fall like glitter and fade away. Red, white and blue skyrockets harken to the rockets’ red glare sung about in our national anthem as we celebrate Independence Day. Shooting personal fireworks are a nation-wide part of the Fourth of July celebration. Locally, Marion and West Memphis held two different ordinances regarding personal pyrotechnics, but the firecracker laws sparked a social media debate last week.

Many residents in each city ignore the fireworks ordinances while being ironically restricted in the celebration of freedom. In Marion it’s simple: police confirmed that no fireworks may be sold or shot in the city.

West Memphis city ordinance set dates and times for sales and fireworks shooting curfews, which many also ignore. The season started June 20. Celebrants don’t restrict themselves to firecrackers, fountains and bottle rockets. Two men were wounded by falling bullets last year and a woman killed, shot in the head, at an eastside Interstate hotel by a bullet falling from the sky piercing her car roof.

West Memphis city council met last year to examine its ordinance. Little changed especially in regarding complaints which began airing out last week on social media in the community. Folks said their dogs get frightened, veterans with PTSD shook up, and date and time

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limits ignored by revelers. Many noted the standing West memphis ordinance was, like in Marion, unenforceable.

West Memphis City Councilman Wayne Croom said common sense and courtesy toward neighbors lacked. He exhorted citizens to respect one another.

“Be safe and be aware of surrounding and respectful of your neighbors,” said Croom. “Please refrain from shooting guns. Fireworks are getting more powerful. They used to be just a few sparklers, pop bottle rockets and a few fountains. The Fourth of July is an event to celebrate national freedoms. Remember one man’s freedom ends where another one’s rights begin.”

Others opined on Facebook.

“Should only be allowed for like one week instead of three weeks in the ordinance,” said Elizabeth Williams.

“I wish people would understand how _reworks cause so much stress on animals,” said Teresa Wheeler.

Noise and litter are both challenges.

“No one enforces any of the rules or laws,” said Karen Cook. “It sounds like a war zone in my neighborhood for weeks. No one cleans up after the mess they make. I pick up trash from the _reworks for weeks.”

“I think it needs to be shortened for the sake of our veterans who have PTSD,” said Valerie Earney.

Lawmakers were accused of lip service regarding _reworks violations. It’s easier said than done.

“I’ve spoken with several of_cials in West Memphis and Marion about the _reworks,” said Libby Roleson. “They said they’d work on getting something done, but their comments were just that, comments to appease me. In order for a person to be cited in Marion, the police must catch the person in the act of setting off the _reworks.”

Others pointed to civic _reworks displays for safety’s sake.

Allowing them from June 20 to July 11 is entirely too long,” said Donna Sims. “There are numerous displays going on everywhere, so can’t people get enough fun and excitement that way? How about an errant _recracker land in your back yard and a _re erupting? That’s what happened to one of my family members.”

Easier said than done. Social media being what it is, some invoked “Karen” and patriotism in comments and memes toward those asking for limits on _reworks.

“You can always move to Russia,” said Stacie Trevino. “They for sure don’t celebrate Independence Day there! LOL,” exclaimed Stacie Trevino.

Provisions of West Memphis ordinance 1997 offered provisions. The summer season runs from June 20 to July 10 between the hours of noon and 10:00 P.M. except July 4, going until midnight. All _reworks relate litter must be promptly removed. Violators may face misdemeanor charges with _nes from $50 to $200.

Old Glory flown over the landmark peppermint striped big top of Fireworks City as it stood open for business at the Missouri Street interchange on Monday, June 20, to kick off sales ahead of Independence Day. Controversy about firework sales and use in West Memphis and Marion erupted on social media over the weekend.

Photo by John Rech