Official: Dry weather won't stop fireworks
JANESVILLE — Despite a countywide burning ban prompted by dangerous fire conditions, public fireworks displays probably won't be canceled, a Janesville fire official said.
Careful planning and precautions will be needed to avoid fires during the shows, Janesville Fire Department Inspector Larry Hainstock said.
Two holiday celebrations plan fireworks displays—Freedom Fest at New Life Assembly of God Church, 2416 N. Wright Road, on Saturday, and Independence Day on the Rock at Traxler Park on Wednesday, July 4.
A final decision about the fireworks displays probably will be made by Hainstock, the fire chief and Janesville police officials, Hainstock said.
Hainstock met Monday with Freedom Fest organizers and their pyrotechnicians.
"We'll have a grass fire truck out there to help ensure no spread of fires and we'll wet the launch site—a grain field across Highway 14 from the church,'' he said.
"Their drop zone will be contained within that field with spotters,'' he said.
Hainstock requested additional spotters at Freedom Fest.
He also met Monday with the pyrotechnician who will be launching the fireworks at Traxler Park on July 4.
Because the site for the Fourth of July display is the Rock River, Hainstock only requested additional spotters to keep a watch for sparks or explosions starting fires.
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By ASSOCIATED PRESS 05/10/13
Jun 29, 2012 at 6:10 p.m.
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Amen, Sandman!
Jun 27, 2012 at 5:13 p.m.
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Just having a bit of fun, illdrinktothat. Don't worry. :D
Jun 27, 2012 at 12:07 p.m.
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I live on the River on North Parker Dr. My neighbors use illegal fireworks every year and I call the police every year to no avail. They have already shot some off this past week. They burn a fire almost everynight too. Don't bother calling anyone because nothing is done anyway.
Jun 27, 2012 at 11:47 a.m.
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One need only read your own companion story, "Beloit bans consumer fireworks", to see that some communities use REASON and COMMON SENSE to make their decisions, while others (such as Janesville) plow ahead regardless of the dangers. Such actions could ultimately construed as DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE or INTENTIONAL NEGLIGENCE! And guess who would be ultimately responsible - THE TAXPAYERS OF THIS COMMUNITY!
"Janesville Fire Chief Jim Jensen said in a message to The Gazette that the city is not planning a complete ban of consumer fireworks. However, law enforcement officials were planning a stepped-up enforcement of illegal fireworks, he said." Yes, the police in Janesville will certainly be able to keep a lid on all illegal fireworks - they'll have little else to do over the summer holiday period!
My grass is bone-dry. Many trees are dropping piles of DRY leaves. Many perennials and other yard plants are in the process of shutting down. What will it take for the City of Janesville "leadership" to make a RATIONAL decision and not allow fireworks of any kind until the weather conditions improve?
Is 15-20 minutes of aerial fireworks display even worth the risk in these conditions?
Answer (to those who need to have it provided): NO, absolutely not!
Jun 27, 2012 at 11:21 a.m.
Jun 27, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.
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I agree w/ron they should cancel shows and ban firework use or burning of any kind its very dry outside! I swift wind could easily blow a launched firework to an unsprayed location and create a crisis.
Jun 27, 2012 at 9:10 a.m.
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It is totally ridiculous to even consider having fireworks with these dry conditions! Everything around us is brown/dead. Why would anyone take a chance? One ember right now, could start a fire that could be out if control in minutes. Better to be safe than sorry.
Jun 27, 2012 at 8:35 a.m.
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common sense? people on the south side have already been lighting fireworks just like they do every year. i just hope a fire does not start.
Jun 27, 2012 at 7:56 a.m.
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Common sense is a rare commodity these days...
Jun 27, 2012 at 7:42 a.m.
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The biggest problem has like in the last few years have been the weather. This year is no different it’s either been hot and dry or it has rained. We can’t control the weather all we can do is work around the weather. The issue is a common sense issue problem is you will get people complaining or people that don’t use common sense when it comes to fireworks that is when you have a problem. This is what happens every year. So here is what we need to ask is it worth the risk or can we trust or neighbors enough to use common sense.
Jun 27, 2012 at 1:16 a.m.
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Irish_Mafia...I appreciate your knowledge of sarcasm....
at least I hope you are knowledgeable ...or else you are unwittingly giving all Irish a bad name...
lotflmao...
Jun 27, 2012 at 12:25 a.m.
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I've complained about not having fireworks before. Not anymore. I am watching my city of Colorado Springs burn down because of drought conditions.
Jun 26, 2012 at 10:59 p.m.
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"Gee danias can you not tell the difference between selling something and not using it until it is allowed?
Apparently not."
Yeah just like how people buy drugs and prostitutes and wait until they're allowed to. LOL
Jun 26, 2012 at 9:11 p.m.
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Gee danias can you not tell the difference between selling something and not using it until it is allowed?
Apparently not.
Jun 26, 2012 at 6:16 p.m.
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If there is a countywide burning ban why are their firework stands up all over? You would think they wouldn't be allowed to sell!
Jun 26, 2012 at 5:47 p.m.
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"displays probably won't be canceled"
Your title is a HUGE conflict with your statment here and the one in the article at the end of it where it is still not sure if we will have them by Hainstock.
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