Chadron council limits fireworks to evenings of July 3–4, citing safety concerns

The City of Chadron on Monday adopted a resolution restricting the discharge of permissible fireworks to July 3 and July 4, 2026, between 7:00 PM and 12:00 AM. Councilmember Shane Shepherd introduced the measure and the council approved it by unanimous roll call.

Fire Chief Branden Martens told the council he recommended limiting fireworks to those two evenings even though the area has received some recent rainfall. "I recommend limiting the discharge of fireworks to July 3rd and July 4th between the hours of 7:00 PM and 12:00 AM," Martens said, citing ongoing public‑safety concerns.

During public comment, resident Tori Wild said she supported the two‑day restriction and noted that July 3 and July 4 fall on a Friday and Saturday this year, which she expected would be the busiest days for fireworks use. Fireworks vendor Mike Jancik said he had seen drier years where broader use caused no major issues but that he understood current concerns; he suggested allowing fireworks for four days to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The resolution adopted by the council states the intent is to "protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community" and clarifies that the restriction applies only to the discharge of fireworks, not to their sale. It also requires compliance with applicable state statutes and city ordinances. Councilmember Shepherd noted the resolution could be amended at a future meeting if circumstances change.

The council voted Aye: Andersen, Graves, Klein, Oleksy, Shepherd; Nay: None. The resolution will be enforced by city authorities during the specified dates and times. No further enforcement details or penalties were described in the meeting minutes.