After seeing our countryside set ablaze before our very eyes, Potter County officials have decided to take action. a declaration of disaster has officially been issued for Potter County.
That means the use and sale of fireworks are banned for the next 60 hours while a request for an extension of the ban is sent to Governor Rick Perry for approval.
"The basic reason is we cannot afford any more fires. We hope that the citizens and those people that like to pop these things take a look out in the county and see what we're faced with", said Potter County Commissioner H.R. Kelley.
And Potter isn't the only county searching for ways to prevent further fires.
Carson and Parmer have also submitted a firework ban request to the governor, and Hall County has already had the same request approved by Perry.
Carson County Judge, Lewis Powers, says it's something he can't afford to neglect.
"It's easier to do that than it would be to look at somebody in the eye that has lost some property, maybe a life and say that it was my fault because I had an opportunity to do something about it and I didn't do it", said Powers.
Anyone who ignores the ban could face serious penalties.
"It can range anywhere from a Class C to a Class B. You're looking at a pretty serious crime. This is a very easy decision. I think it might be tough for the people that own the firework stands to swallow, however I think even they'll understand that this is not the time, this is not the year that we need to start popping fireworks or sell them", said Kelley..
Governor Rick Perry is expected to respond by tomorrow afternoon on whether or not he approves a firework ban extension. If approved, the ban will be in effect until July 5th unless further extensions are needed.
The sale and use of firework has now been banned in Potter County.
Potter County Judge Arthur Ware signed a proclamation Tuesday morning that prohibits the sale and use of fireworks within the county. A local state of disaster was also declared due to the threat of wildfires.
Punishments for those who violate the ban can be a fine of up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail.
The ban only lasts sixty hours but a request has been sent to Governor Perry. If he deems it necessary to continue, the ban continue longer.
The declaration of a local state of disaster activates the Potter County Emergency Management Plan.
To view the entire proclamation, click here.
