Although some surrounding counties are following the recently passed legislation to regulate fireworks, Warsaw will hold off any action that would restrict firework use this year.
The Warsaw City Council Monday discussed newly passed firework laws by the state legislature and whether Warsaw should examine its own fireworks policy.
Warsaw Fire Chief Mike Rice attended the council meeting and said there has not been a major problem with fireworks injuries in the past in Warsaw.
He said police reported receiving about five fireworks-related complaints during the past year.
"We will watch to see what this year's fireworks season brings and the week's thereafter to determine if there needs to be regulation on fireworks in Warsaw in the future," Rice said."It doesn't seem to be much of an issue here."
Council members said they had not heard complaints from residents regarding fireworks.
Mayor Ernie Wiggins requested council members be alert during this year's fireworks with complaints from residents in their districts.
The council reviewed a memo from Warsaw Fire Chief of Inspections Michael Wilson referencing Senate Enrolled Act No. 9 passed this year.
The act allows, under a new added section, that a municipality may adopt an ordinance concerning the use of consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the municipality.
It also states that the ordinance may not limit the use of consumer fireworks between the hours of 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29-30, July 1-3,5,7-9, between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
This would change the law in effect now that allows fireworks to be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on days other than holidays.
The council reviewed another memo from Wilson suggesting city council members and city attorney Mike Valentine determine whether they think fireworks should be regulated in the city for next year. Wilson did not attend the meeting.
In the memo, Wilson recommended if the city council finds safety to be a problem during this year's firework season, Valentine consider writing an ordinance restricting the use of fireworks from 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset on all calendar days except June 29 through July 9.
"Many communities are looking into what can be done to make their communities safer and we want to make sure our residents are safe," Rice said in a telephone interview Monday night.
