Check in before the bash

July 3, 2007

Editor's note: This story corrects an inaccuracy that appeared in Tuesday's print edition of the Frontiersman. In that version of the story, it was stated that fireworks are permitted in Houston and on private land with a landowner's consent. That is incorrect. Fireworks are only permitted in Houston and may be legally used there only on private land with permission of the landowner.

By Hannah Guillaume / Frontiersman

HOUSTON - Shoppers at fireworks stands in Houston walked away in the rain Monday with plastic bags bursting at the seams with assorted explosive goodies.

&#8220Usually we just get lots of sparklers because we live in Anchorage,” said Jennifer Justice, 20, before adding that when she's spending the weekend in Houston she prefers roman candles and &#8220One Bad Mother” artillery shells. &#8220I love the fireworks here, great prices. This is our favorite place to come.”

Lil' Gorilla Fireworks stand in Houston serves thousands who travel at times more than 100 miles across south-central Alaska in the days leading up to the Fourth of July, said Jamee Dunkel, who has managed the stand for 12 years.

The annual fireworks pilgrimage to the small town of Houston occurs each year in large part because fireworks are prohibited in municipalities and cities like Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer and Willow.

The only places in the Mat-Su Borough where fireworks are permitted are in Houston on private land with a landowner's consent, according to Mat-Su Borough code. Fireworks are strictly prohibited from all types of land in Wasilla and Palmer without permit. Break that law, and it could cost up to $500.

Dunkel, who is a middle school teacher in Sacramento, Calif., when she's not selling fireworks, said she has seen it all when it comes to fireworks buyers - grandparents, RVs filled with families and firefighters. She began selling fireworks because she loves the American tradition of blowing things up in brightly colored arrangements on the Fourth of July.

&#8220Artillery shells are the best air display,” Dunkel said. &#8220I like blue, because you don't see it very often. It's mostly green, red and gold.”

Dunkel warns customers about using fireworks responsibly and where permitted, because it's a tradition that can only be preserved through safe practice.

Tara Mellon, a public educator for the Central Mat-Su Fire Department, said the department may keep a five- to 10-person duty crew on to ensure safety on the Fourth. She said she couldn't recall any fires in recent years that resulted from the misuse of personal fireworks.

&#8220For the Fourth of July, we're actually doing a picnic here,” she said. &#8220Since the parade goes right in front of us a lot of people stop here.”

Lt. Thomas Remaley, spokesman for Palmer Police, said he couldn't remember any fires caused by fireworks in the past couple of years and noted that violations of the city's fireworks prohibition can cost $75-$300.

&#8220We want to discourage fireworks, but we'll deal with it on a case-by-case basis,” he said. &#8220Be very careful, because one, you could get hurt, and two, It's a fire hazard.”

Remaley said parents with 6-year-olds burning sparklers at the end of the driveway are more likely to get a verbal warning than repeat offenders. Palmer Police isn't putting on extra patrols for the holiday.

Mike Rager, a Wasilla co-compliance officer who will be riding a mountain bike in the Independence Day Parade, said anyone violating the city's firework prohibition could end up paying a $100 ticket.

&#8220Consequences range from a verbal warning to a municipal citation for $100,” he said. &#8220Firework violations are routinely dealt with within the City of Wasilla. No fireworks unless you have a permit for a show.”

Contact Hannah Guillaume at 352-2284 or hannahguillaume@yahoo.com.