Although a popular Independence Day tradition, the use of fireworks is banned in the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
According to the borough code of ordinances, the only exception to the ban is for public displays by municipalities or other organizations issued a permit by the borough mayor or designee.
Kenai Fire Chief Tony Prior said the borough usually allows the personal use of fireworks for 48 hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but otherwise the ban remains in place.
He said especially with the spruce bark beetles drying the woodlands and the limited precipitation the peninsula has seen this summer, fireworks would pose a threat.
“The peninsula is ripe for fires,” Prior said.
Division of Forestry Fire Management Officer Howard Kent said the department has already responded to a fire caused by fireworks this summer.
Prior said fire danger has been fluctuating between moderate and high for the majority of the spring and summer.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
