Jul 02, 2020

Great Bend Fire Chief urges caution with fireworks during drier conditions

Posted Jul 02, 2020 6:40 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

With the 4th of July approaching this weekend, the threat of fires caused by the improper use of fireworks approaches as well.

The holiday is always busy time for the Great Bend Fire Department. This year, with the dry conditions and the wheat harvest still underway, Fire Chief Luke McCormick is asking that citizens use extra caution.

The department has practiced that advice in advance of fireworks display on Friday, July 3 that the city organizes.

McCormick says the department has been preparing the launching area with controlled burns so the show can go on without any problems.

"We have been fortunate the last several years with it being more wet around 4th of July, so we have not experienced the fire risk we are facing this year," said McCormick. 

McCormick urges everyone to celebrate safely and do not forget at the end of the night to clean up all the fireworks to make sure there are no hot spots.

"We have had several house fires in the last few years where they put their fireworks in the trash can or bucket and put it back into the house or garage," said McCormick. "This can result in a fire starting later in the night or early the next morning."

The gates at the Great Bend Expo Complex open Friday at 7:30 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. be sure to tune into 100.7 Eagle Country for the music that will accompany the fireworks display that will begin around 9:45 p.m.

"With all the block parties that will be happening the community, make sure you are cleaning those up so vehicles can get down the streets the next day," McCormick said.