Fireworks still illegal in F-M

Metro-area police are asking residents to exhibit civil obedience this Fourth of July and not let fireworks fly here.

Using, possessing and selling fireworks are prohibited in West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead. People also may not use sparklers and similar nonexplosives on public property in Moorhead.

"If we see it, we're going to do something to stop it," said West Fargo Police Sgt. Joe Birrenkott.

The city of Fargo Thursday announced a streamlined process for police officers to ticket violators of the city's fireworks ordinance.

Previously, officers had to submit a written report of the violation, and the violator was summoned to appear in court at a later date.

Now, officers will issue a citation, reducing the amount of paperwork.

"It does simplify the procedure, and I suppose to some degree could increase the likelihood that someone might get a citation for it," Lt. Tod Dahle said.

The offense is considered an infraction, which is less severe than a misdemeanor. Still, a judge can fine the violator up to $500, and the bond is $100.

However, enforcing these ordinances becomes difficult over the holiday weekend.

"It's like trying to pick up all the sand in the ocean," Birrenkott said.

All area fireworks retailers are situated outside West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead, but not by much.

"They're right on the border of the city, as close to the city as they can get," Dahle said.

Metro residents have been crossing the border to buy their Fourth of July entertainment in high numbers this year, said Starr Fireworks owner John Massari.

The retailer just outside south Fargo already surpassed last year's sales on Wednesday. Massari said his store has had many sales between $700 and $1,000 this week. The largest sale of the season, totaling about $1,860, was made to an out-of-state buyer on June 26, the day before retailers could sell to North Dakotans.

"They are pretty much filling up the back of their pickups when they spend $1,800," Massari said.

Fireworks accidents have remained stable and declined in some areas so far this season, police said.

Officers are hoping residents remain mindful of the ordinances, but they expect more fireworks used through the holiday weekend.

Warm weather may have encouraged people to load up on fireworks this year, according to area retailers, but local police said users need to be careful of dry grass and leaves in the area.

West Fargo Police suspect fireworks caused a grass fire in their city Tuesday night. The Fargo Fire Department put out a similar fire Wednesday night.

Users may have the best intentions, but local officials said the ordinances were passed for safety.

"You have no control when you shoot the things in the air," Birrenkott said. "You don't know where they will go."

Starr Fireworks has tried to minimize accidents through education.

"As we're selling the product, we're telling them how to use it," Massari said.

Fireworks should be held, positioned and lit in different ways, he said.

Fargo police also remind residents that a number of areas traditionally used for fireworks, particularly in the southwest, have been recently incorporated into city limits and are now governed by the city's fireworks ordinance.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Dawn Peake at (701) 241-5557