By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Despite the bangs and pops over the last several days, the Hays Fire Department reported only a couple of minor incidents related to fireworks.

The HFD responded to two small grass fires that were quickly extinguished. Just after midnight Thursday morning, spent fireworks left on a porch reignited and melted siding on a home at 312 E. 13th.

Interim Fire Chief Ryan Hagans said the damage was confined to the exterior of the home and no one was injured.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said the city received 16 fireworks complaints from June 27 through Thursday morning. Most of those complaints were made on Tuesday and Wednesday and were regarding fireworks being shot between 11 and 11:59 p.m., after the hours allowed by city ordinance.

Although the city will continue to track complaints through today, fireworks in the city of Hays are prohibited as of 11 p.m. last night. No tickets were issued, Scheibler said.

He urged people who may have shot fireworks over the holiday to make sure any trash is picked up and any debris cleared from the roadway.

Scheibler also said traffic control for those watching fireworks went smoothly Wednesday night.

Both chiefs said Hays had a quiet and safe Fourth of July holiday.