By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission gave the go-ahead for fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday in Ellis County on Monday, as long as conditions remain favorable.
Ellis County has a year-round ban on the sale and discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of the county but the commission typically lifts the ban for three days in July.
County Administrator and Fire Chief Darin Myers said Monday there have been very few incidents in recent years.
“Last year, we did not have any fireworks-related incidents in the unincorporated areas of Ellis County,” Myers said. “Accidents do happen, and we are still a month away.
“We’ve had the recent blessing of some moisture but that could change, as well as temperatures can increase to start drying the surface out again,” he said.
Myers said there have been numerous medical-related incidents caused by fireworks.
The sale and discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county will match with the city of Hays for July 2 through 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
They do that, according to Myers, to make it easier on law enforcement.
Commissioner Joe Leroux said he was in favor of the resolution to lift the ban for the three days.
“So long as, between now and then, we continue to get moisture,” Leroux said.
The commission approved the resolution 3-0.
Myers added that they address the issue a month in advance to give vendors advanced notice.