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| News > Feature - Fireworks prohibited in Altus city limits |
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Story at a Glance
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• Fireworks are prohibited on base and within the Altus city limits
• Sparklers burn at approximately 1,800 to 3,000 degrees
• Licensed fireworks display will take place at the Altus reservoir
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Independence Day is here and everybody is ready for barbecues, parties, and fireworks. Keep these firework safety tips in mind during this holiday.
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Fireworks prohibited in Altus city limits
Posted 7/3/2012 Updated 7/3/2012
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by Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
7/3/2012 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Independence Day is here and everybody is ready for barbecues, parties, and fireworks. However, fireworks are prohibited on base and within the Altus city limits.
According to the City of Altus Ordinance No. 2006-07, "it shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to use pyrotechnic special effects inside the city limits without prior approval by obtaining a permit issued by the Fire Chief, or his designee."
There are firework stands right outside the base gates, but they are set up just outside the city limits.
"If you want to light some fireworks on your own, you would have to do it outside the Altus city limits and get landowners' permission to light fireworks on their property," said Jerry Abbott, City of Altus Fire Marshall.
"Sparklers, however, are OK to light in the city limits with great care," Abbott said. "If you are going to allow kids to light sparklers, have them wear cotton clothing."
Sparklers may seem harmless, but they can get extremely hot.
"Parents, do not leave your children unattended with sparklers," Abbott said. "Sparklers burn at approximately 1,800 to 3,000 degrees and contribute to 57 percent of firework injuries to children under five years of age."
Have a water hose or a bucket of water nearby to immediately put sparklers or other fireworks out, Abbott recommended.
City residents can enjoy fireworks this holiday as a licensed fireworks display will take place at the Altus reservoir when the sun goes down July 4, 2012.
For more firework safety tips, contact the Altus Fire/Rescue Department at 481-2232 or visit the National Council on Firework Safety website at www.fireworksafety.com.
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