The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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June 13, 2008

City to crackdown on fireworks law

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

Enid Fire Marshal Ken Helms said enforcement of the city’s ordinance banning fireworks in city limits will be “ag-gressively enforced” this year.

Helms said residents should be aware of the ordinance banning fireworks, violation of which is a Class B offense.

“It is unlawful for anyone to sell, possess, use or distribute fireworks in Enid,” he said. “Violation of this code can result in a $500 fine and seizure of your fireworks.”

A public awareness campaign is under way this year, with plans for banners outside each fire station and signs at all entry points to Enid reminding people of Enid’s code. Helms said he also has prepared public service addresses for local radio and to air on PEGASYS, Enid’s public-access television station.

The fire marshal said police also will assist with enforcing the ban on fireworks.

“Myself and my assistant fire marshals will also be out doing enforcement,” he said. “If we catch you with fireworks, we will take them away and cite you.”

Helms said there will be a “zero-tolerance” enforcement this year on the ban, which has been in effect since the 1970s, when the city adopted the 1970 Fire Prevention Code.

Instead of purchasing consumer fireworks, Helms suggested attending the yearly Independence Day fireworks display held at Meadowlake Park, which is operated by professionals.

“This professional display is choreographed to live music from the Enid Symphony,” he said. “It’s free for all, and it’s an incredible show.”

Helms said fireworks cause thousands of personal injuries and extensive property loss each year.

Last year, Helms said fires caused by fireworks destroyed one home in Enid and another suffered “significant damage.”

Oklahoma law also dictated specific uses of fireworks.

Title 68 states fireworks cannot be sold except between June 15 and July 6. Fireworks may not be discharged within 500 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, unharvested agricultural crop, school or fireworks stand. Fireworks also cannot be discharged from a car, and it is illegal to light them in a vehicle or near a group of people. They also cannot be lit on county roads.

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