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  • County commissioners, left to right, Mike Yoder, Terry Rodina and Frank Lucchase discuss banning all private fireworks due to the ongoing drought. The commissioners passed a ban that will be in place through July 10. Sam Householder

    fireworks banned
June 29, 2012

All fireworks banned in Elkhart County

By JOHN KLINE THE GOSHEN NEWS

GOSHEN — Use of unpermitted fireworks of all kinds have been banned in Elkhart County up through July 10.

The ban is part of an emergency order approved by the Elkhart County Board of Commissioners Friday during a special meeting of area government, fire, police and emergency officials held to discuss the county’s options for a fireworks ban.

Talk of a possible ban on fireworks had been in the works since County Board of Commissioners President Terry Rodino first signed an emergency countywide burn ban on June 15, though the board’s initial policy fell to encouraging area residents to refrain from using fireworks during the ban while they waited to see if they had the proper authority to enforce a fireworks ban.

During Friday’s emergency meeting, county attorney Craig Buche informed the commissioners that he now believes there is a good chance that the board does have the authority necessary to enforce a fireworks ban if it is done through an emergency order.

With the fireworks ban in place, Buche indicated that only fireworks displays that have received official permits and the accompanying insurance will be allowed in the county. All other personal use of unpermitted fireworks are officially banned, and violators will be at risk of prosecution by county law enforcement.

“We appreciate the help and assistance of the city departments and the county as well,” said Rodino following the vote. “No one is against fireworks. No one is against the 4th of July. This is a public safety issue that needs to be addressed and not taken lightly.”

In addition to the fireworks ban, the commissioners Friday also voted to extend the current emergency burn ban through July 10.

As it stands, the county burn ban prohibits county residents from using campfires or other recreational fires unless enclosed. Burning is allowed in burn barrels, however, but only those covered with a 1/4 inch mesh top and only from dusk to dawn. The ban also prohibits open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane.

 

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