Ripley officials cite multiple fireworks-related fires, discuss enforcement and sale rules

Ripley fire and city officials reported responding to several fireworks-related incidents over the July Fourth period and discussed potential enforcement or policy responses at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Chief Turner said the department responded to four grass fires, one dumpster fire and two people—one adult and one juvenile—who sustained severe hand injuries and were airlifted for treatment. Chief Turner said he did not know final outcomes. Alderman comments referenced multiple calls to dispatch and concerns about people discharging fireworks within the city limits. The mayor and board members noted that the city's existing ordinance does not allow new vendors to sell fireworks in city limits; vendors who sell here have “grandfathered” status because they preceded the ordinance. The board discussed comparing practices in similarly sized communities and possibly asking police to review options, with Mayor Fitzhugh and aldermen saying they would look at what other cities do and report back.