Holiday Fire/crime

As Fourth of July festivities heat up in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, fire and police officials are prepared to respond to a high number of calls they say is typical for the holiday weekend.

"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 batallion chief Mark Starnes.

Yet, mid-afternoon Sunday, the crew hadn't responded to any major issues involving fireworks. Neither had the Cape Girardeau Police Department, according to Cpl. Paul Zajicek.

Zajicek said he knew some officers came across a few violations, but only confiscated the illegal fireworks. No one had been cited for a fireworks violation as of 4:30 p.m. Sunday. He expected activity to increase Sunday night through Monday night.

Extra officers are on duty both nights, Zajicek said.

He reminded residents that juveniles, 17 and under, are not allowed to discharge fireworks without a parent present.

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.

Both Cape Girardeau and Jackson fire crews responded to a handful of calls Saturday, most medical calls and none were structure fires, according to reports from both departments.

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

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO