City restricts fireworks — Patriotic laser show being planned by chamber
Fireworks will be restricted within Newcastle city limits during the 2026 Independence Day holiday after the Newcastle City Council voted to follow the recommendation of the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department because of ongoing dry conditions and wildfire concerns.
The council approved the restrictions during its June 1 meeting after hearing a written fire conditions briefing from Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Kenney, read by Mayor Tyrel Owens, who warned that recent precipitation has not significantly reduced fire danger across the area.
According to the briefing, Newcastle and Weston County continue to experience dry conditions despite recent storm activity. While additional thunderstorms and rainfall are forecast, officials said the precipitation is expected to be scattered and may not provide enough moisture to reduce wildfire risk.
“Short periods of rainfall do not necessarily eliminate wildfire risk as fine fuels such as grass and light vegetation can dry rapidly under warm and windy conditions,” the department’s report states.
Firefighters told the council they have already observed increased fire activity this year and remain concerned about fuel conditions heading into July.
The department also pointed to problems encountered during last year’s community fireworks display. According to the briefing, firefighters responded to multiple spot fires during the event, creating operational concerns serious enough that portions of the display had to be halted.
“It’s really disappointing last year when the hillside got set ablaze,” Owens said during the discussion. “That’s bad news.”
Kenney urged the city to begin considering restrictions early so vendors, businesses and residents would have adequate time to adjust plans before the holiday.
The recommendation was based on current fuel conditions, recent fire activity and uncertainty about whether enough moisture will arrive before July 4, according to the department.
Council members acknowledged the decision was difficult because of the community’s long-standing tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks.
“I like the fireworks,” Councilman Tom Voss said. “I just had to mention that it’s just so traditional.”
Owens reported that the Newcastle Area Chamber of Commerce is planning an alternative celebration this year. Instead of a traditional fireworks display, the chamber is exploring a laser show featuring patriotic imagery, music and special effects.
“The drone show, they couldn’t afford,” Kenney said. “So in lieu of, they’re going to do a laser show. It’s going to be on a 30-foot screen, laser smoke. They’re going to do a lot of patriotic symbols, music. From what I’ve seen, it looks like it’s going to be a good alternative to what we’ve done in the past and still give the residents an opportunity to celebrate the holiday.”
The council also heard that at least one fireworks vendor had expressed support for restrictions because of fire concerns.
Owens said he received a message from a concerned citizen who opposed fireworks this year because of the wildfire risk. According to Owens, the individual was also a fireworks vendor and indicated they would support not selling fireworks in the interest of public safety.
After discussion, the council unanimously approved a motion to restrict fireworks this season.
“Motion carries,” Owens said following the vote. “We’re going to provide restrictions on fireworks this season due to safety concerns for the community and the fire department’s recommendation.”
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