County burn ban will not interrupt holiday festivities

Choctaw’s City Council voted June 28 to prohibit fireworks except on July Fourth because of the burn ban, which will be in effect for the next 30 days. Choctaw is one of only three cities in the metro area to allow fireworks.

Typically, the city allows the discharge of fireworks July 1-5, but only on private property and at 10-Acre Lake Park. However, the council voted to close the park this year from July 1-5 and prohibit fireworks in that area due to the high fire danger. cannot be discharged on any public property such as city or school-owned land, City Manager Robert Floyd said.

Fireworks can be discharged from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. only on July Fourth.

Last weekend, Choctaw firefighters assisted with a Lincoln County wildfire that was sparked by fireworks.

“We don’t need that to happen here just because someone wants to shoot off fireworks,” Floyd said.

Violation of the burn ban will result in a $500 fine and up to a year in prison, Floyd said. The measure passed by the commissioners allows outdoor cooking with “approved appliances” and urges people to use “due caution” particularly in the use of fireworks.

The measure specifically states local laws regarding the sale, transport and discharge of fireworks are still in place, unless modified by city officials.

The burn ban, however, will not interrupt Midwest City’s planned Tribute to Liberty at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m.

City Manager Guy Henson said the fireworks display will proceed as scheduled because of the “discretion” Fire Chief Randy Olsen has in such cases.

Olsen said the commissioners will allow public fireworks displays that are under the control and supervision of a municipal fire department.

PROHIBITION SITUATION

Midwest City ordinances prohibit the discharge of fireworks except for public displays.

“We can control the environment by saturating the ground before the event takes place,” Olsen said.

Midwest City’s Independence Day celebration will feature a free concert and the fireworks display honoring the many freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.

Festivities are slated to begin with a performance by The Jumpshots, who will play major hits from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s and contemporary songs from the current decade.

After a set change, Hook will take the stage with a blend of current music, along with retro favorites from the ’70s and ’80s, classic rock ’n’ roll and current popular country hits.

As night falls and the bands end their performances, residents might be able to turn their eyes to the skies for a 16-minute fireworks display set to patriotic music.

Saving the best for last, officials said the grand finale would be a color-separation sequence and will include a barrage of red, white and blue flower shells.

Free parking is available at the corners of Reno Avenue and Midwest Boulevard and also at Reno Avenue and Douglas Boulevard.

The softball fields will provide a prime viewing area for the fireworks. Residents are encouraged to bring law chairs, blankets and coolers with plenty of water. Temperatures are expected to be near 100 degrees at the beginning of the event.

Concessions will be provided and will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and varieties of chips, candy, soda pop and bottled water.

For more information about the July Fourth event, call the city parks department at 739-1293.

Meanwhile, in Del City, fireworks are prohibited according to city ordinances. So far, fire department officials have not received any fireworks-related complaints, said Brandon Pursell, public information officer.

“We usually have a few (complaints) when people set them off in the neighborhoods,” he said. “We do allow commercial displays, but they must have a permit.”

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