CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Fourth of July fireworks in Clarksville this year were out of control by several measures, with double the number of complaint calls, $250,000 in damage and one major fireworks-related injury.
City officials now say it’s time to crack down.
Mayor Joe Pitts met with public safety officials this week to review fireworks regulations, according to a news release from city spokesman Richard Stevens.
“With problems increasing, I think it’s time to evaluate our options to find a more reasonable approach to our fireworks regulations,” Pitts said. “I want to reach out to the businesses and organizations involved in fireworks sales, and listen to their perspectives, too.”
Double the calls, $250,000 in damage
Police Chief David Crockarell said fireworks-related calls for service jumped to 670 in the period from May 15 to July 15, up from a rate of 300-350 over the same period from 2016-19. One of those calls resulted in an ongoing arson investigation after a residence was hit by fireworks and burned. Some of the calls resulted in custodial arrests.
“It was pretty crazy. In some cases, people were bragging on social media about stealing fireworks and setting up fireworks battles,” Crockarell said in the release. “We had instances of fireworks being shot at houses.”
Fire Marshal Ricky Cumberland told the mayor that property damage from fireworks this year totaled more than $250,000. In one instance, fireworks caused a major injury to a juvenile who is still undergoing medical treatment, he said.
Officials noted that 50 fireworks tents obtained seasonal sales permits and set up shop in Clarksville this year. Five regional operators account for the majority of the tent permits, with one company responsible for 24 outlets in the city, Cumberland said.
Current fireworks rules
State law allows such outlets to sell fireworks from June 20 to July 5, and from Dec. 10 to Jan 2. Two other outlets have annual licenses, which allow them to sell fireworks throughout the year. City code restricts use of Class C consumer fireworks in Clarksville between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. from July 1 to July 5 and from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks can be used from 6 p.m. to midnight.
“The volume of what’s available is intense,” Crockarell said. “CPD would be in favor of perhaps limiting the number of tents allowed and in restricting sales dates and the days when they can be used.”
In discussion, officials noted that COVID-19 public health measures may have played a role.
“The traditional big public fireworks displays being canceled probably had something to do with it,” Cumberland said. “And maybe there was some pent-up energy from people being locked down because of the pandemic.”