With extremely dry conditions and only minor relief expected late next week with isolated storms, the city fire marshal and fire chief of the La Vergne Fire Department, Inc. made the difficult decision to ban fireworks until further notice.
Effective immediately, Interim Fire Marshal Rick McCormick and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kimbrough, the designee of Chief James Gafford, issued the order to ban lighting fireworks within the city.
Police Chief Mike Walker said that law enforcement will issue citations for violations of the ban, but warned that life-threatening calls would take priority. “Although we are slowly building our police force to allow for quick response time for all calls, we do have to prioritize calls based on specific situations happening throughout our city.”
“We have several densely populated neighborhoods and because it’s like a tinder box outside, one careless bottle rocket could cause serious harm and damage,” said Mayor Senna Mosley. “Our only goal in this matter is the safety and well-being of the citizens of La Vergne and emergency personnel.”
The city’s “Patriotic Picnic in the Park” celebration will proceed. “The firework show at Veterans Memorial Park is operated by a professional pyrotechnics company. Additionally, it will be a
‘controlled show’ because we will have numerous fire trucks on the scene standing by to protect people and property,” said Mosley
The Independence Day celebration is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until fireworks at dusk on July 4 and will be held at Veterans Memorial Park. The free concert and a children’s play area will be on the football field.
City officials are asking citizens to keep an eye on their vulnerable neighbors like the elderly and infants. Welfare checks may be requested by calling police dispatch at 793-7744. Also keep an eye on pets and outdoor animals by making sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade.