The State Fire Marshal has reported that there have now been 188 licenses to sell consumer fireworks issued, with 127 of those for permanent sites and 61 for temporary ones. An additional 39 licenses are ready to be issued once payment is received, and six more will be completed once inspections are done. They are also reporting that there are 117 applications in process awaiting additional information. Initially, the office received 1,128 site requests, but have only seen 347 applications filed. Fire Marshal, Jeff Quigle, says they have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications received. “We have had our staff working on evenings and weekends to review site plans,” he says. “The less experienced applicants have found it more difficult to meet the safety standards for their permanent sites, and also some of the temporary sites. Those site plans are taking longer to review, and we are working with applicants to make changes in order to provide a safe place for the sale of fireworks.” Sales at permanent sites began June 1 with the first license issued that day, while sales at temporary locations begin today (Tuesday). All sales will end on July 8.
