FARGO (KFGO) - Fargo city commissioners have agreed to take a look at the ban on fireworks in the city.
A study committe, comprised of several commissioners, police and fire department representatives, and sellers of fireworks will meet to come up with some recommendations and report back to the full commission.
Dave Reuter, with Memory Fireworks, started a petition prior to the Fourth of July, asking for a change that would allow fireworks to be used on July Fourth and New Year's Eve. He suggested a change similar to an ordinance adopted by West Fargo that allows fireworks on both those dates.
Commissioner Tony Gehrig says Fargo should get involved before there's an initiated measure which, if approved, would leave the city with little input about what types of fireworks could be used. Gehrig says powerful mortar fireworks should not be allowed. Gehrig says the current ban is hard to enforce and says the city needs an ordinance that works that would include hefty fines for violators.
Fire Chief Steve Dirksen and Police Chief Dave Todd told commissioners they have concerns about changing the ban, citing injuries and fires that have resulted from fireworks. Dirksen says he hopes "common sense prevails" but says that doesn't always happen.
Commissioner John Strand cast the only "no" vote, saying he hasn't heard a "clamor" for opening up fireworks use in Fargo.