Dickinson police field 88 fireworks complaints; city, fire department also hear from unhappy residents

Talk about it

Despite it being illegal to light off fireworks in Dickinson city limits, Police Chief Chuck Rummel said the department recorded 88 complaints about fireworks from June 15 to July 7 at a Dickinson City Commission meeting Monday at City Hall.

He added the number of complaints is much higher when the number of complaints made to the city, fire department and those not written down are included.

“There were more fireworks this year than in years past,” Rummel said, jokingly adding, “Some of the shows were pretty good in the area.”

Although in good humor, Rummel did not think the violations were a laughing matter.

He and Dickinson Fire Chief Bob Sivak said those who complained have been heard.

“We are looking at how we can address the situation,” Sivak said.

Rummel added officers were unable to respond to many of the complaints July 4 because they were called to an emergency in which a 28-year-old man barricaded himself in a residence. The incident lasted more than four hours.

Rummel said another reason the law is hard to enforce is because it’s not one person shooting off fireworks.

“Many times it’s a block party or gathering,” Rummel said.

Commissioner Klayton Oltmanns asked if the departments are looking to work out a compromise, go all or nothing, mandate a flat fine or allow certain periods of time?

“We are looking at options and are hoping to get feedback from the community,” Sivak said. “The problem is fireworks pose a risk of fire and physical harm and extreme use increases these chances.”

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