Fire, police departments say weekend was slow for fireworks problems

Cape Girardeau and Jackson fire and police officials prepared to respond to a high number of calls they say is typical for the Fourth of July, but many of the incidents were routine and unrelated to fireworks.

"Eleven out of the 12 months, we don't have fireworks going. If it's dry like this, we can see more calls and of course, we'll possibly see some calls due to accidents from fireworks," said Cape Girardeau Fire Department battalion chief Mark Starnes.

Fire crews in Cape Girardeau and Jackson called the holiday weekend slow, responding mostly to the usual medical calls and a handful of minor accidents. There were no fireworks-related fires in Jackson as of early Monday evening, according to Jackson Fire Department Capt. Curtis Sparks.

"I really don't anticipate any since we had that rain. Rain naturally keeps the grass wet, and that's where most of the fires would occur," Sparks said.

Cape Girardeau firefighters didn't responded to any major issues involving fireworks, either, although several crews were called out to a fire on 1339 N. Spanish St. Battalion chief Brad Dillow said it was electrical -- a tree limb fell on a service wire going into a residence. He expected to be busier after dark Monday, when people attempt to send off as many fireworks as they can before midnight. City ordinance prohibits fireworks after that time.

Cape Girardeau Police Department Cpl. Paul Zajicek said officers came across a few fireworks violations Saturday and Sunday but only confiscated the illegal fireworks. No one had been cited for a fireworks violation as of 7 p.m. Monday.

Extra officers were on duty Sunday and Monday night, Zajicek said.

In Jackson, three fireworks violations were reported to the Southeast Missourian in a daily report from the police department. They occurred on Old Cape Road, Jefferson Street and in the area of Boxwood Drive and Bramblewood Drive. The department didn't report any violations Monday.

Starnes said the holiday weekend is handled like any other day, although chief officers may be made available if necessary.

"They're aware that any situation could happen," he said.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635