Jackson aldermen holding hearing on fireworks rules

The Jackson Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing tonight to hear opinions on the debated topic of fireworks regulations.

The board will consider amending its fireworks ordinance to ban projectile fireworks, defined as any firework that is "propelled by combustion, deflagration or detonation and shall include, but not be limited to, bottle rockets, rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets or any firework with an aerial trajectory."

The board will also consider banning the sale of such fireworks within the city as well as requiring that a parent or guardian supervise any person under the age of 18 who is lighting any type of fireworks.

The issue was brought to light after the home of firefighter John Trowbridge was severely damaged after a bottle rocket was shot off by children and landed in some landscaping near the house while the family was out of town. Trowbridge asked that the city look into regulating fireworks.

The board will not make the decision tonight. The city was not required to hold a public hearing, but city officials said they wanted to solicit input before making any decision.