Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Marshal warns celebrators about bottle rockets in city limits

City officials recognize the popping of fireworks are going to happen over the 4th of July holiday, but some guidance to the situation has been deemed necessary through an ordinance passed in November of 2002.

City Marshal Don Childres said Thursday, "We will enforce the rules of this ordinance and anyone caught in violation is subject to a $200 fine."

Tambra Childres, recorder and treasurer, interpreted Ordinance 02-008, as it applies to the 2005 Independence Day season.

Fireworks, except for bottle rockets, will be allowed for use in Gurdon from Saturday, July 2, until Friday, July 8.

However, she said, this will only be before 10 p.m. The ordinance bans the sale or use of bottle rockets in the city of Gurdon.

Marshal Childres said he realizes bottle rockets are being sold outside of town, but this does not mean they will be tolerated as far as use within the city limits of Gurdon.

Tambra Childres said, "Our rule about bottle rockets is different than other types of fireworks. It is against the law and ordinance here to use bottle rockets at any time. They are banned from use in Gurdon."

Marshal Childres said the fine will be levied and the bottle rocket law strictly enforced, especially in light of the dry weather conditions as of late.

"We've got nearly drought conditions," he said. "And I don't see much of a chance of rain coming to make it any better.

"Bottle rockets simply increase the fire hazard risk too much. This rule is about safety."

Marshal Childres suggests taking bottle rockets out to a remote country area, where the risk to Gurdon homes is not a factor.

"It is not that we don't want people to have fun," he said. "It is just that we have got to protect property from catching on fire."

Marshal Childres said in the years before the ordinance was passed he was getting approximately 50 calls per night during the July 4th fireworks season from worried citizens.

"Our city took action for public safety and now it will be enforced," he stressed.