By Ray King
With the 4th of July just a day away, Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Chief said Friday that shooting fireworks in the city limits of Pine Bluff is not allowed.
Appearing on the Oldies 101.3 morning show, Shauwn Howell said a city ordinance prohibits their use, an ordinance he said was adopted for safety reasons.
Howell said Pine Bluff Police are responsible for enforcing the ordinance and firefighters will go only if there is an actual fire involved.
“There will be an unfortunate shooting of fire works and it will find a dry patch and start a fire,” Howell aid. “It can be a challenge because you don’t know where those fireworks can land.”
Heavy rains on Thursday night have helped though, Howell said.
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington also appeared on Oldies 101.3 and was asked about the decision to hold a fireworks show on July 4.
The fireworks show will be broadcast on 99.3 The Beat beginning at 9 p.m.
On another subject, Howell talked about firefighters responding to several big fires in June, including one at the former Big Banjo location on Nebraska Street, at Planters, and a residence in central Pine Bluff, all within a short period of time. Howell said the former Big Banjo was being used as a food preparation location for Meals on Wheels and was a total loss, while the fire at Planters involved a warehouse where bulk materials were stored.
“It was very tightly compacted, like bales of cotton,” Howell said. “The fire was contained to the warehouse and put up a lot of smoke and takes several days to put out. You have to get in there with heavy equipment and break it up, pull it apart.”
