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Rogers Celebrates with Fireworks, Precautions Taken

By: Marissa Stevens
Updated: July 3, 2012
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Skies at Veterans Park in Rogers sparkled with fireworks Tuesday night.

"We want everyone to enjoy it and just to be safe."

Before the big show, Captain Matt Miller with the Rogers Fire Department explained every step taken to keep everyone safe.

"The city put a committee together... The fire department did a lot of research to figure out what the fallout of the different sites mortars would be."

With maps drawn and boundaries marked, Miller said emergency crews were ready to extinguish any flames.

"We're going to have an ambulance and fire truck and a brush truck there manned in case anything happens... They have a professional come in and set the fireworks off."

With around 30 years of experience as a firefighter and licensed pyrotechnic, Mike Neher was the man lighting the fuses.

"I'm going to follow the precautions and I'm not going to take any chances."

With the dry conditions, several cities are not taking any chances either. Fireworks have been banned in cities across Northwest Arkansas.

Neher said one slip can lead to stray sparks, which can end in disaster.

"An individual shooting fireworks in their yard, they're not going to have a fire truck sitting there... When you're in dry conditions you have got to be very aware of your surroundings."

While some think they can handle the festivities, even the most experienced people have lost fights with firecrackers.

"I wound up losing that finger and it cut my thumb off and they reattached it," said Neher.

So, it might be best to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

"Safe environment, everybody's going to have a good time and enjoy the Fourth of July," said Miller.

According to Neher, the police and fire departments had to approve the plan first, then it was sent to the fire marshal for final approval.

It was an entire process to put on the professional show in Rogers.

Captain Miller said folks can shoot off fireworks in Rogers on Wednesday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

He said to leave the handling of fireworks to the adults, and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

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