Hot Springs fireworks display still a go despite complaints | News

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) -- Due to burn bans covering the majority of the state, personal fireworks are not allowed. However, professional displays with the proper permits are still a go.

Hosting a fireworks display during a burn ban is no easy task but county officials say as long as they meet a laundry list of requirements, both local and state, professional displays are allowed.

"I understand the tradition. The 4th of July. I've had fireworks since I was a kid but we've got to bring some common sense to this," says Cliff Jackson says he's worried.

Worried that embers from the traditional fireworks display a few streets over will create a serious problem for residents.

"My main concern is we're under a burn ban and it's an extremely dangerous situation," says Jackson.

"After coming out here and viewing the site and looking at the surrounding areas, I really believe it's a controlled environment and it's not going to be a problem," says Garland County Judge Rick Davis.

He says though conditions are serious, the Lazy Lane Property Owners Association hosting the fireworks has met all requirements under state burn ban regulations.

"They have a five million dollar liability insurance policy. They have a professional pyrotechnician that's going to put on the show and they also have the approval of the volunteer fire department which is going to be on site with fire trucks to make sure nothing gets out of control," says Judge Davis.

Not to mention permission from the local sheriff's department, state fire marshal, and county judge.

"I think if we're going to put those regulations on them and they meet them that we should actually give them the privilege to do it," says Judge Davis.

But those requirements, Jackson says, are not enough to protect his home in case of an emergency.

"You have to look at a risk from the standpoint of the possibility it would happen number one. Number two, the consequences and the consequences here would be catastrophic," says Jackson.

Judge Davis says one other permit was issued to shoot fireworks in Garland County. That display will be held at Brady Mountain. He says fire crews will be stationed at both locations and if there are any concerns about wind or other factors, the fire department will call off the display.

The Lazy Lane Property Owners Association has hosted a fireworks display over Lake Hamilton for the last thirty years.