City of Liberal Bans Fireworks Due to Dry Conditions

City of Liberal Press Release

With only six days remaining until the 4th of July holiday, Liberal fire chief Kelly Kirk and the City of Liberal have made the decision to invoke the emergency ban relating to the discharge of fireworks within the city limits.

The City of Liberal and Seward County have experienced extremely dry and windy conditions throughout the entire month of June.  The current weather and the forecast of continued hot, dry, and windy conditions through the 4th have led to this decision.

City Ordinance #4520 governs the sale and discharge of fireworks in the City of Liberal, Kansas and contains a provision for an emergency ban when critical weather conditions make the firing of fireworks hazardous to the safety of the citizens of Liberal and their property.

Sec, 7-715- Emergency Ban Relating to Discharge

Notwithstanding any of the provisions contained in this ordinance, there shall be no firing or discharge of any fireworks in the city at any time the fire chief or his or her designee determines that weather conditions or local circumstances make such firing and discharge of fireworks hazardous.

Although highly unlikely, this decision may be reversed closer to the July 4th holiday in the event unexpected persistent wet conditions occur.  As a reminder, violation of any provision of the fireworks ordinance is unlawful and may be punishable by a fine of not less than 100 dollars or more than one thousand dollars in municipal court.

At this time, the public fireworks display in conjunction with the Liberal Bee Jays is planned to continue due to the controlled nature of the display and planned fire department standby as in past years.  Citizens are encouraged to enjoy this display for their July 4th celebration.