Fireworks go on sale in city with restrictions on The Murfreesboro Post

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Fireworks go on sale in city with restrictions

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By: LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer

Posted: Sunday, June 28, 2009 8:30 am

Murfreesboro residents celebrating Independence Day with their own fireworks show won’t be able to buy or use some types of explosives now banned within the city limits.

The Murfreesboro Mayor and City Council voted last year to ban certain types of fireworks within the city limits after residents fired the explosives at Murfreesboro Police and some council members riding with police during last year’s holiday. Police spokesman Kyle Evans said in recent years police officers have been injured and police vehicles have been severely damaged as a result of the misuse of certain types of fireworks.

“The restrictions to the fireworks ordinance are an effort to keep citizens, visitors and police officers safe as well as minimize the risk of property damage for residents and city property,” Evans said.

Under the ordinance, fireworks may be sold beginning today through July 5. Fireworks may be fired between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on July 4 when fireworks may be used until 11 p.m.

Fireworks now prohibited in the city include:

• Bottle rockets,

• U.S. Department of Transportation Class C common fireworks or 1.4G explosives,

• Mortars,

• Reloadables and

• Shells.

Buyers must be at least 16 to purchase fireworks. Residents ages 16 and 17 must show a state-issued photo identification as proof of age or be accompanied by an adult.

Principal Planner Matthew Blomeley said the Board of Zoning Appeals approved 16 vendors to sell fireworks in tent displays throughout the city for Independence Day.

“They are spread pretty much throughout all over the city,” Blomeley said.

Murfreesboro Police will regulate the fireworks law. Evans said officers may issue a citation and confiscate prohibited fireworks from individuals possessing them or who use other fireworks inappropriately.

As always, if someone uses an explosive devise as a weapon, they may be charged with criminal offences such as aggravated assault.

To keep the city safe, Evans said extra officers will work, including the community policing officers and community service officers. They will also watch for people driving while intoxicated.

“We hope this will be a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July,” Evans said.

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.

Tagged under Fireworks, July 4th, Kyle Evans

Member Opinions:

By: Admiral on 6/28/09
Maybe we need to issue a firecracker carry permit.

By: Farmall on 6/29/09
Admiral,

Your on to something there, sounds like a revenue stream to me.

By: Boo on 6/29/09
LOL- It just may be in our future, guys.

By: spanky on 6/29/09
Silly police. Don't ever let polititions ride with you. They probably wern't aiming at you. hehe jk

By: ItsGood on 6/30/09
Franklin Road Baptist which faces Franklin Road but is in the county is selling bottle rockets. Looks funny to see a sign saying "We have bottle rockets" as it advertises to city residents.

By: barrettbear on 7/1/09
Place yourself in the path of some stupid, drunk, inconsiderate person holding fireworks with a lighted fuse. Would you think it is funny? Ignorance of a few people has led to this ban and to provide safety for the ones that have respect for others.