Ascension authorizes fireworks in some areas

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jul 3, 2009 - Page: 5B

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GONZALES — While a ban on open burning remains in effect for Ascension Parish, some burning and use of fireworks for the Independence Day holiday are permitted within certain areas and guidelines, a news release said.

Ascension Fire Service Coordinator Gene Witek said open burning of trash, brush, debris, stumps, grassy areas and the like is prohibited until further notice, per the State Fire Marshal’s office. If a person is found burning such items, they will be asked to extinguish the fire. If they refuse, they are subject to a $500 fine and the fire will be extinguished by parish authorities.

Recreational burning in containers, such as fireplaces or chimineas, is allowed, Witek said in the news release.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a cease and desist order June 23 for all private burning in Louisiana “due to the extremely dry conditions throughout the state.”

The order states that local governments or fire departments may give permission for private burning, but Parish President Tommy Martinez said such permission will not be given in Ascension Parish.

The only exceptions to the burn ban are prescribed burns being conducted by the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

As for fireworks celebrations for the Fourth of July, here are the restrictions:

• Rural Ascension Parish (outside the city and town limits of Gonzales, Donaldsonville and Sorrento): No restrictions.
• Within Gonzales city limits: Fireworks are banned.
• Within Donaldsonville city limits: Fireworks displays are allowed only at public parks with a  permit issued by the fire department.
• Within Sorrento town limits: Fireworks are allowed only from 10 a.m. to midnight.