City will consider fireworks ban — county ban likely to continue

The Hays City Commission on Thursday will begin its annual review of fireworks.

The issue is one of the items on the AGENDA for Thursday’s city commission work session, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

In the midst of a persistent drought and the resulting dry conditions, the city opted to prohibit both the sale and discharge of fireworks in the city in 2013.

Each May, the commission considers whether or not to allow fireworks. With just more than 2 inches of rainfall for the entire calendar year, the considerations appear to be similar to last year.

Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno said the staff will recommend again prohibiting fireworks this summer.

The Ellis County Commission enacted a fireworks ban in 2013, as well. The county’s prohibition, however, does not need to be acted upon to continue this summer.

Ellis County Administration Greg Sund said the county would have to take action to allow fireworks, noting there has been no call from commissioners to have the item brought up for discussion.

Ellis County is among several counties in parched western Kansas that remains under an outdoor burning ban.