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Olive Branch reports six fireworks complaints after new ordinance; one citation issued
Summary
City officials told the Board of Aldermen that between Dec. 22 and Jan. 5 the police dispatch received six fireworks complaints after the city enacted a fireworks discharge ordinance; two complaints fell outside the legal window and one person was cited for discharging fireworks after the permitted cutoff.
Olive Branch officials reported to the Board of Aldermen on Jan. 7 that the city's new fireworks discharge ordinance coincided with a low number of complaints over the winter holiday period: six calls to dispatch between Dec. 22 and Jan. 5.
Officials said only two of the six complaints were outside the permitted discharge window and that one citation was issued for fireworks discharged at 12:20 a.m. on New Year's Day, five minutes after the city's cutoff of 12:15 a.m. (the ordinance allows a 15-minute window after midnight on New Year's). City staff posted signage at fireworks stands and asked vendors to include hours-of-use flyers in sales bags.
"So, again, no time for a victory lap at this point, but I think we're making some headway," the presiding officer said, describing the initial enforcement results and noting weather may have reduced fireworks activity.
Officials cautioned that these figures cover a two-week holiday period and do not predict future compliance; they said the board will monitor complaints, particularly around July 4, when fireworks activity typically increases.
