LAFAYETTE BANS FIREWORKS, OPEN BURNING

LAFAYETTE BANS FIREWORKS, OPEN BURNING

DUE TO DROUGHT AND SHORT WATER SUPPLIES

Lafayette city officials announced a ban on "all use of open flames, open burning including the use of all fireworks until a time that we have had a substantial rainfall to replenish our water supply, and cause conditions of drought in our area to subside."

LFD Chief Keith Scruggs, acting under authority as Assistant to the State Fire Marshal, said the fireworks ban would be enforced and anyone violating the order will be cited into court and be fined $50 per offense plus court costs.

"I hope it sets in raining, and we can lift this ban, but it's a water conservation measure, and the city's water supply is being severely affected, to the point that it could deter our abilities to fight structure and other fires," said Scruggs.

The sale of fireworks is not being prohibited, but the use is banned due to the potential for setting unintentional fires.

Several other Tennessee counties have also banned the use of fireworks this year, and other cities, such as Lebanon, Franklin and Nashville already prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.

In an interesting sidelight, Lafayette Police Chief Jerry Dallas noted that it is illegal to sell fireworks in the city of Red Boiling Springs, but legal to set them off. The reverse will be true in Lafayette.

So, if it remains dry through the 4th of July, you may still legally buy your bottle rockets in Lafayette, then travel to Red Boiling Springs to set them off.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day 2007.