Story by Rod Zook and Fred Gough

After the problems with grass and structure fires resulting from the, “4th of July” fireworks celebrations. Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming wants to put tighter restrictions on fireworks for next year.

Deming and the other two commissioners seem to agree that some curtailment of some types of fireworks is needed after more then 50-grass fires, along with 3-structure fires were reported during the four days. One included the total loss of a home in Hutchinson belonging to a retired daughter and his wife, with a damage estimate of 600-thousand dollars.

Apparently, Hutchinson Fire Chief Kim Forbes is pushing to restrict some types of fireworks and Commissioner Deming thinks the county should follow the cities lead for fireworks to go high in the air and often times landing on others property.

It should be noted, the Hutchinson Fire Department not only responds to fires within the city limits, but also in the county as well for areas north and east of Hutchinson. That’s part of the reason the city moved one fire station just north of 43rd & Plum, and recently moving a second station farther east along 30th, near the Westar Energy light plant.

The Hutchinson City Council could take up the issue at their next meeting and Deming wants the county to match whatever the city of Hutchinson puts in place on restrictions.