Fireworks, open fires not allowed in certain Morgan City areas

As Morgan City residents prepare to celebrate Pioneer Day, July 24, possibly with fireworks or at barbecues or campouts they should be aware there are fire restrictions in certain areas of the city. The restrictions executive order took effect June 13 and will remain in effect until further notice. 

The affected areas are north of 600 East and 700 East to the city boundary; east and south of Imperial Drive, including the South Morgan Cemetery, to the city boundary and 200 feet on either side of the Weber River bottoms.

In these areas, no open fires of any kind are allowed except within established public facilities in improved campgrounds, picnic areas or in permanently constructed fire pits at permanent private homes served by pressurized water. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation. The use or discharge of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including explosive targets is not allowed.

Cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation or operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor is also prohibited.

Those with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act at a specific location are exempted from these prohibitions but the permit does not relieve the permittee of liability if a fire does occur. State or federal fire officer or firefighting forces performing their official duties are also not subject to these restrictions.

Similar restrictions have been enacted in Morgan County and on and state lands within the county. λ