While celebrating Independence Day today, remember that the use of fireworks on national forest lands is prohibited, the U.S. Forest Service said earlier this week.
"Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device on national forest lands are prohibited," Ouachita National Forest Supervisor Norm Wagoner said in a news release. "Using fireworks in the forest increases the possibility of fires which could put lives and property in danger."
The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis national forests together total 3 million acres of land in Arkansas and Oklahoma, offering many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the holiday without fireworks.
"What better way to enjoy Independence Day than to take advantage of what this country offers by hiking the beautiful trails, camping in the serenity of nature and enjoying views that people travel from all over the world to see?" said Reggie Blackwell, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests supervisor. "It is a great alternative to using fireworks."
Violation of the fireworks policy is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Call 479-964-7200 for more information on opportunities on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, and 501-321-5202 for the Ouachita National Forest or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or http://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf.
Hot Springs Fire Chief Ed Davis has reminded Hot Springs residents that the sale or use of fireworks within the city limits is prohibited.
"Consumer fireworks can be very dangerous with misuse," he said. "Folks become too comfortable with them and treat consumer fireworks like toys, when in reality, some can burn as hot as a welding rod. Larger-grade fireworks that detonate unexpectedly can have grave repercussions if everyone isn't out of the way in time. Fireworks within city limits can lead to a $5,000 fine, so leave the displays to the experts and enjoy one of the public displays over the course of the holiday weekend," he said.
The annual fireworks display on Lake Hamilton will be held today on the west side of Highway 7 south, directly across from the Clarion Resort.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers will perform boat patrols throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend, with extended hours today for the fireworks display being held at Mountain Harbor Resort.
Boaters are reminded they must keep their anchor (white) light on at all times while their boat is stationary during the fireworks display.
Local on 07/04/2015