Thursday Update: Cities ready to deal with holiday fireworks

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County, along with every other community in the country, will celebrate Independence Day this Friday.
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but those using fireworks should be aware of local laws regarding their use.
Phil Campbell Police Officer Terrell Potter said there is no ordinances banning the usage of fireworks in Phil Campbell town limits but warns that they should not be used on other people's property and they should not be directed toward other people or into crowds.
"The biggest thing is to make sure you stay on your own property," Potter said.
"And make sure you don't shoot them across the streets or anything."
Shooting fireworks in roadways or throwing them across the street could cause car accidents, which could result in injuries.
Officials in Russellville said there is an ordinance in place mandating when fireworks can be used in the city limits.
Russellville Police Captain Shannon Oliver said there haven't been any major problems regarding fireworks in the past and he doesn't expect there to be problems now.
The ordinance regarding fireworks mandates that fireworks cannot be used after 10:30 p.m. each evening, and residents will only be permitted to use fireworks through July 6.
Red Bay officials are asking all residents to be considerate of their neighbors and respect others' personal property this fireworks season.
"We don't really have problems here with fireworks but we do get complaints when people get onto other people's property," Lt. Eddy Chandler said.
All local fire departments are also asking those using fireworks to be mindful of where they are used so that no fires are started because of fireworks usage.