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Riverton approves fireworks permit for July 18 despite fire‑chief rejection
Summary
Riverton City Council voted July 7 to grant a fireworks permit to the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Committee for July 18 at the high school parking lot even though Fire Chief Jesse Cassidy declined to approve it because of extreme fire risk; the committee said professionals with insurance will conduct the show.
The Riverton City Council approved a fireworks permit for the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Committee’s July 18 display after a public hearing in which committee members and supporters urged the council to allow a professionally managed show despite a written objection from the fire chief.
Max Batista, representing the Balloon Committee, told the council that Pyrotech Professionals LLC submitted required liability insurance and that the committee had secured site access from the school district. ‘‘At the time the firework permit application was submitted, staff recommended approval of the permit contingent upon receipt of written approval from Riverton Volunteer Fire Department,’’ Batista said; staff also reported that Fire Chief Jesse Cassidy had provided a letter declining approval because the local fire risk had reached ‘‘extreme’’ levels.
Committee members and supporters said the planned launch site — the Riverton High School Career Center parking lot — is irrigated and professionally managed and that the committee was paying up to $10,000 for the display. ‘‘This is a professional company,’’ said Ryan Preston, a committee volunteer. Rafael Del Guedeo, another resident, told the council the main danger is unauthorized private fireworks, not a single insured public display.
Council members raised safety questions including whether the fire department would stand by, whether a NOTAM was required because of the nearby SageWest Hospital helipad, and how conditions would be monitored. Councilman Eric Carr asked staff to ensure proper FAA notification; staff and others said airport/airport staff could file a NOTAM if needed.
Despite the fire‑department objection, council members concluded there was a difference between a single professional display and informal private fireworks and voted to approve the permit by voice vote. Council members directed staff and the committee to coordinate with emergency services and the FAA about standby plans and notifications.
