City officials designate days, hours for residential fireworks

NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF @NWABENGOFF Savannah Sturdivant and father John Sturdivant of Centerton shop for fireworks Saturday at Fireworks City in Benton County near Centerton.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF @NWABENGOFF Savannah Sturdivant and father John Sturdivant of Centerton shop for fireworks Saturday at Fireworks City in Benton County near Centerton.

SPRINGDALE -- Mitchell Wilbern thinks the best fireworks are "the big and loud kind" that pop incessantly. Some of his neighbors disagree.

The small fireworks display the Wilbern family and their neighbors in Springdale put on each Fourth of July is a tradition not everyone enjoys, said his mother, Rebecca Wilbern. Some neighbors are quick to remind them the festivities have a legal cut-off time, she said.

"We try to be very respectful, stop by 10, not leave a mess, and we try to invite everyone in the neighborhood," she said.

Springdale ordinance allows residents to shoot legal fireworks, except aerial fireworks that travel on a stick, on private property with consent of the owner from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Wednesday. Adults ages 21 or older must supervise the activity if anyone younger than 16 is participating.

Surrounding cities and towns in Northwest Arkansas have fireworks laws that apply within their city, and most keep them consistent from year to year.

Siloam Springs continues to restrict fireworks to those who get a license, according to a city news release. Anyone who discharges fireworks is subject to a fine, but police usually issue a warning first because many residents are unaware of the city code, said Capt. Derek Spicer, police spokesman.

Fireworks dates

All legal fireworks, except aerial fireworks on a stick, may be discharged on private property in most cities in Northwest Arkansas during the following times and dates. Individuals may not shoot fireworks in Siloam Springs.

• Bentonville: Noon to midnight July 3-4

• Centerton: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-4

• Decatur: Noon to 10 p.m. July 3; noon to 11:59 p.m. July 4

• Elkins: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-5

• Farmington: 10 a.m. to midnight June 30 and July 4; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3 and 5

• Fayetteville: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1-3; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4

• Gentry: 8 a.m. to midnight July 4

• Gravette: Noon to midnight June 28-July 4

• Lincoln: 8 a.m. to midnight July 4

• Pea Ridge: Noon to midnight July 1-7

• Prairie Grove: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4

• Rogers: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3-5

• Springdale: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1-4

Source: Staff report

Mitchell Wilbern, 14, doesn't remember a Fourth of July without fireworks, he said. He knows he should never point fireworks toward anyone, always wear shoes and keep a water hose or bucket nearby when lighting fireworks.

"The dads have taught the kids over the years, so the parents usually sit back and watch," Rebecca Wilbern said.

The family has grown accustomed to complaints, such as a neighbor's dog unable to sleep, she said.

Springdale resident Warren Cunningham said people have gathered to shoot fireworks near his house every Fourth of July for four years, and the neighborhood event keeps growing. Although his neighbors discharge fireworks from their yards, debris usually lands on Cunningham's yard and roof or sometimes on his car, causing property damage, he said.

Cunningham said he asked city officials to ban fireworks except by licensed professionals. He thinks the city ordinance is not up to date with the pyrotechnic industry.

"My wife and I like fireworks. We enjoy the public displays," he said. "There are lots of professional fireworks displays for people to enjoy that do not damage property."

Wyman Morgan, administrative and financial services director for the city, said he thinks the majority of Springdale residents favor public use of fireworks, otherwise City Council members would change the ordinance. It was last amended in March to allow people with state permits to put on a public display during times outside the city's designated hours.

Springdale police answered 180 calls regarding fireworks last year between June 28 and July 6, said Lt. Jeff Taylor, Springdale police spokesman.

If an officer responds to a call and finds people discharging fireworks illegally, the officer will inform them of the ordinance and issue a citation if the problem persists, he said.

NW News on 07/01/2018

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