Fireworks display still on

PEA RIDGE — Fireworks will be lit as part of the scheduled display Wednesday, July 4, as part of the annual Pea Ridge Fair.

Karen Kitterman, chairman of Beta Alpha, sponsor of the fair, said the mayor assured her the display was allowed since the Pea Ridge Fire Department will be in charge of detonating the fireworks.

Dry weather conditions have resulted in burn bans being issued by both the Benton County judge and several mayors.

No fireworks may be discharged in Pea Ridge, Little Flock or Gateway or the unincorporated areas of Benton County until further notice.

Although a “red flag” burn ban was issued earlier in the week bythe county fire marshal, it did not preclude setting off fireworks. But, as conditions continued to deteriorate, the county judge issued a countywide burn ban on Sunday, July 1.

On Friday, June 29, Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree, after consulting with both Fire Chief Frank Rizzio and Police Chief Tim Ledbetter, issued a burn ban within the city limits.

City officials in Little Flock issued a ban on the use of fireworks inside the city limits, said Little Flock Fire Chief Moose Dunavan.

Pea Ridge firefighters fought several fires in the area over the past week. Pea Ridge police cited one individual this week for lighting fireworks.