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Chief Hunt explains local effect of state 'stage 2' restrictions; library reports large patron growth
Summary
Chief Hunt told the council that state stage-2 restrictions do not change Smithfield’s local ordinance for private lands and that the city currently enforces level-1 rules; the city will watch fuel-moisture and forecasted temperatures before deciding whether to tighten rules ahead of July 24. The city manager also reported strong library growth (45,347 patrons in FY2026).
City fire Chief Hunt explained how statewide 'stage 2' restriction language interacts with Smithfield city ordinances: because the state's order does not apply to private lands inside incorporated city limits, the city currently falls back on its own ordinance (level 1), allowing campfires in designated areas and private-property campfires where the ordinance permits. Hunt said the previous state forester fireworks ban was limited in scope and has expired; any stricter restrictions within Smithfield would require a local ordinance change and follow the city's ordinance process.
Chief Hunt said Smithfield staff are monitoring fuel moisture and weather forecasts (including a projection of triple-digit temperatures) and will make a near-term determination about fireworks and restrictions for the July 24 date. He reported only a few small fires tied to fireworks so far in the region and said most people complied with restrictions over the Fourth of July period.
Separately, the city manager reported library usage statistics for the fiscal year: 45,347 patrons and 10,701 program attendees in FY2026 — increases of roughly one-third and 740 program participants, respectively, over the previous year. Staff and councilors praised library leadership and staff for outreach and programming growth.
No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting; council asked staff to continue to monitor conditions and return with a recommendation if the city needs to narrow allowances for fireworks or open-fire activity.
