Clarksville, TN – The Clarksville Police Department asks everyone to temper their holiday celebrations with safety and common sense this year, especially in regard to fireworks.
The holiday spirits are dampened for some each December by personal injuries and property damage, as well as by inconsiderate neighbors who ignore the laws restricting the use of fireworks.
Clarksville City Ordinance 10-218 specifies that fireworks may only be set off inside the corporate limits of the City of Clarksville.
Days Fireworks may be set off in Clarksvllle
- July 1st through July 5th, between 6:00pm and 10:00pm.
- December 28th through December 30th between 6:00pm and 10:00pm.
- December 31st between 6:00pm and 12:00 Midnight
- January 1st between 6:00pm and 10:00pm.
The ordinance further specifies: “It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of sixteen (16) years to use, explode or possess any fireworks unless they are under direct supervision of an adult of at least eighteen (18) years of age.”
Clarksville Fire Marshall Ray Williams asks,” Please be considerate of your neighbors and be safety conscious.”
Gateway Medical Center Spokesperson Benita Martin provides the following: “Gateway Medical Center Emergency Room staff reports treating four patients as a result of Fourth of July fireworks in 2014. Staff says that these numbers fluctuate from year to year as does the severity of injuries.”
“These particular cases related to hand and eye injuries in adults,” says Martin. “Injuries from fireworks can cause scarring, severe burns, blindness and even death. Gateway staff advises following local government guidelines regarding use of fireworks or to opt instead to watch a professional fireworks display.”
Violations of City Ordinance 10-218 can result in a fifty dollar fine and court costs. Officers are also empowered to make physical arrests in certain situations, such as the likelihood that an offense will continue.
