Police: Use common sense with fireworks

With fireworks going on sale yesterday for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, police are urging people to use common sense when using fireworks in the city limits.

?The city code allows the shooting of fireworks from 1 p.m. until midnight,? said McMinnville Police Capt. Bryan Denton. ?However, in residential sections, the cutoff is 10:30 p.m. if there?s been a complaint made by a resident. We just want people to have fun but also be mindful of others.?

Fireworks have only recently been allowed in the city limits. The present code allows for sales of and firing of fireworks from June 8 through July 8 during the designated hours. Although the time for setting off fireworks is spelled out, complaints can still be registered by residents who are being disturbed and the shooters can be asked to stop shooting the fireworks in the residential area.

In addition to time restrictions, fireworks users are banned from shooting off fireworks within 200 feet of a school, church, hospital, the downtown area, any city property, such as a park, and within 200 feet of a fireworks selling establishment.

Failure to obey the city code can cost offenders a $50 fine if they are cited by police. In most cases, Denton said, offenders will be issued a warning before being cited.