Commission will consider widening fireworks discharge window after public request

A local fireworks vendor asked Dickinson County commissioners on Tuesday to consider adjusting the county’s fireworks discharge window so families could use fireworks together over a longer period around July 4.

Tony Friess said his family has sold fireworks in the region for many years and asked whether the county would consider permitting discharge on dates such as June 27–29 or July 5 so relatives who gather could light fireworks together. He described a private, family-focused request rather than a commercial display.

Commissioners discussed statutory limits, animal and fire-safety concerns and the fairness of opening additional discharge days to all residents. One commissioner observed that if an exception is allowed it should be available to everyone; another raised concerns about livestock and potential fire risk if smoldering debris persists after festivities.

Staff noted the county’s current resolution allows discharge July 1–4 and adds a flexibility clause when July 4 falls on certain weekdays; commissioners asked staff to redraft the resolution to allow the commission to define the discharge window as June 27 to July 5 for this year and to return the wording on the next agenda for formal action.

Why it matters: Extending permitted discharge dates affects public-safety resources (fire and emergency response), property and animal welfare and the fairness of a rule that applies countywide. The commission directed staff to update the resolution language and to place the revised language on the agenda for a formal vote.

Next steps: Staff to redraft resolution language to permit discharge from June 27 to July 5 (subject to statutory constraints) and to present the revised resolution on the next agenda for formal consideration and vote.