By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The City of Larned is unlike many other cities in the area when it comes
to celebrating the 4th of July. Larned allows four days for citizens
to discharge fireworks. Within city limits, anyone can light fireworks July 1 - July 4.
Larned Police Chief Charles Orth said the number one issue law enforcement and
first responders deal with over the holiday celebration is the combination of too
much alcohol consumption and the use of fireworks.
"Intoxicated people shouldn't be around fireworks," said Orth. "They have a tendency to get hurt or hurt somebody else. That's the worst thing we see."
A commonly forgotten rule in Larned is it is unlawful for anyone to
discharge fireworks on the streets, sidewalks or alleys.
"That causes problems with impeding traffic," said Orth. "Also, fireworks around parked vehicles is never good. Vehicles have gas in them. Then they don't clean up the mess...we have to deal with that."
Orth noted his department has responded to house fires over the years caused by
not properly disposing of the fireworks. The police department also sees cases of
children getting hurt because they’re not being supervised by an adult.
Orth reminds all citizens to be safe as they enjoy the holiday.
The discharge of fireworks is allowed in Larned between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. July
1 - July 3 and between 8 a.m. and midnight on
July 4.
