Clarksville, TN – Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, upon the advice and recommendation of Fire Chief Michael Roberts, has authorized a ban on all open burning and fireworks for the Clarksville area.
“A combination of low rainfall, high temperatures and low humidity have dramatically elevated the threat of grass and brush fires in the area and I feel it is both warranted and prudent to take this action to protect the lives and properties of our citizens,” said Mayor McMillan.
“I do not make this decision lightly as I recognize that it is during the Independence Day Holiday. I believe the overall situation is too dire to permit open burning of any kind and the igniting of fireworks.,” said Chief Roberts.
Chief Roberts continued, “We do want to do what we can to make sure that the planned holiday celebrations continue so Clarksville Fire Rescue will assist anyone who is licensed for public fireworks display and permitted by the City of Clarksville. This will allow for the already scheduled fireworks displays, including the City’s July 4th celebration, to go forward.”
The ban on open burning will continue until sufficient rainfall has occurred and the public will be notified when it is lifted.
I agree…fireworks in these conditions is a fire waiting to happen. Why is the city still plannig to light up the sky in this dry weather? Is it worth the risk of a fire? We have alot of money invested in fireworks and we wouldn’t consider lighting them in these conditions. It’s not worth setting our homes or woods on fire. (period) Hopefully, Clarksville City will find another week (after some rainfall)for folks to light off their fireworks. It’s the least they can do (especially since they are lighting theirs)And, it’s dangerous to store these fireworks. Thank you
The kids that are not reading the paper or even the adults that are not aware of the ban are going to light fireworks when they hear the city’s firework going off that night. It worries me that the City is not leading by example with the fireworks ban. Absolutely, there should be a ban with this weather. It common sense for most of us. My backyard is woods and I don’t want too see them up in smoke because some neighbor thought it was ok to light fireworks! We can see and hear the city display from our yard. Come on Clarksville.