NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Marshal Mike Cain says that not much has really changed in the fireworks ordinance in the city.
"The only rule that's changed for this year is the addition of aerial fireworks," Cain said. "Aerial fireworks are back in Hutch. It's going to be June 30 through July 4. Sale and discharge times are the same, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 11 p.m., you have to stop shooting fireworks."
Fire Chief Steven Beer says a little courtesy goes a long way.
"We definitely need more neighbors talking to neighbors about what's going on in the neighborhood and the reasons why somebody might not like them," Beer said. "Maybe there's a veteran or whatever, but have that discussion with your neighbors."
Beer said that the previous regulations had just been impossible to keep up with.
"I think it's going to allow our department and the police department to actually do our jobs," Beer said. "We had an unenforceable rule. I could have had 100 firefighters out on the streets during this five day frame and the police officers probably could have had that many. I could tell you story after story of stuff that has happened. It just was an unenforceable rule and regulation, when you can go down to adjacent cities and buy any bomb, basically, to blow off for the 4th of July and bring it into the community."
Firefighters and police will still be able to write tickets if you are shooting after the set time or shooting in the public street.
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