By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith is thankful for the moisture the area has received but would not mind a little more prior to the 4th of July holiday.
The Great Bend Fire Department will have extra staff on hand for the fireworks extravaganza throughout the holiday. Typically staffed with nine firefighters each shift, Smith said there will be 18 firefighters available Thursday to mitigate grassfires and other fireworks-related accidents.
"We've had accidents the last couple of years that have involved some people missing fingers and parts of their bodies that they should have attached to them," said Smith. "Please be careful when you're shooting off fireworks. We don't want to see you that night for that reason."
Police Chief Steve Haulmark echoed Smith’s comments, wanting the public to have a fun, responsible holiday.
"Not everyone is a fan of fireworks, so keep that in mind," said Haulmark. "Owners of small, domestic animals...maybe keep them inside if you can. We have a lot of dogs that run off and get scared. If you do have small animals, make sure they have an ID tag on them."
As of Monday evening, seven block parties have been approved by the City of Great Bend for the 4th of July. Citizens have to have permits approved and pay a fee to receive barricades from the city. The parties can only block half of the street to still allow emergency vehicles through if needed.