A New Year’s Eve fireworks mishap led to a burned yard and a misdemeanor citation.
Columbus Fire and Rescue responded Tuesday to a residence on Highway 69 South just before midnight. The fire was quickly extinguished but not before burning about half the yard, Fire Chief Duane Hughes said, and the flames were put out before they endangered any structures.
Police were already in the area and called CFR after noticing the fire, Hughes said. Police officers informed CFR that fireworks were responsible.
“Columbus has an ordinance that bans the use of fireworks within city limits,” Hughes said. “For those outside of city limits that have fireworks, you need to exercise caution and have a water source to extinguish any visible flames.”
He also advised that rains don’t necessarily mean the environment isn’t fireproof, noting that this case was fueled by standing dry grass and a layer of insulated leaf litter.
“Although we’ve had some significant rain, the leaf clutter on the ground is dry and flammable,” Hughes said. “That coupled with wind conditions present last night led to the spread of that fire, and those conditions will exist probably for the rest of the month.”
Bryan Moore, public information officer with Columbus Police Department, confirmed Wednesday that police issued a citation related to the fire. He did not give further details.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
