La Vergne bans fireworks due to extremely dry conditions - WSMV Channel 4
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Folks in La Vergne will have to just enjoy the city's big July 4 fireworks show in Veteran's Memorial Park next week. That's because city leaders have banned discharging recreational fireworks because of extremely dry conditions and three-digit temperatures.
B & B Fireworks has been in business in La Vergne for 57 years. Owners even boast about having the world's largest fireworks display at the lowest prices.
"I have almost 1,200 items for you to choose from," owner Billy Bowers said.
They are even giving away more than $35,000 worth of fireworks over a 15-day period.
But now that the city of La Vergne has issued a ban on fireworks, the business could take a bang to its bottom line.
"It'll affect it a little, about 10 percent," Bowers said.
Fireworks Supermarkets owners feel they will suffer even more.
"We were down about 15 to 20 percent overall," Mid-America Distributors owner Jake Loyd said. "We don't expect it to be as bad as it (drought) was back in 2007."
La Vergne leaders said it was a tough decision to issue the fireworks ban, but a necessary one.
"Our No. 1 concern was the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, and our emergency personnel," Mayor Senna Mosley said. "We're seeing three digital (temperatures) for the next few days. That's something most have never seen."
"Safety is what we put in first," La Vergne Emergency Services Coordinator Richard McCormick said. "By no means do we want to hamper the July 4 festivities of any kind."
La Vergne police will be strictly enforcing the fireworks ban, but they don't want to take the fun out of the Fourth.
"We'll advise the officers that the ban is in place, and that it is a violation, and allow them to use their discretion like we do any other law," Police Chief Mike Walker said.
Violators could face a $100 fine, plus court cost if they are caught discharging fireworks within city limits. The citation is the equivalent of a speeding ticket.
The fireworks ban will remain in effect until further notice.
City leaders banned outdoor opening burning earlier this week.
Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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