Friday was busy for both Emporia Fire and Emporia Police.
Emporia Fire responded to a dumpster fire near the Four Seasons Apartments poolhouse shortly after midnight Saturday. The fire, likely due to fireworks, burned the plastic lids off the trash receptacle and caused minor damage to a nearby outbuilding. A citizen was dumping water on the fire as firefighters arrived, which helped to keep the fire from growing and causing more serious damage. No injuries were reported.
The Fire Department also had two small grass fires develop — one outside the Emporia Econo Lodge at 2511 West 18th after 8 pm and one confirmed fire near Roads 170 and G that developed during the fireworks display. The fire outside Econo Lodge was fireworks-related. The one near Roads 170 and G may have some fireworks involvement. Another fire report near Roads 180 and G was unconfirmed.
Emporia Fire did not have a fireworks-related call this season until early Friday, when fireworks apparently destroyed a Polycart in the 1400 block of Center.
The Police Department responded to 10 fireworks complaints calls Friday and early Saturday, issuing no citations. There have now been 38 complaints since Emporia’s fireworks sales and discharge period started June 27, on par with last year’s 45. Saturday is the last legal day for sales and discharge. Hours are from 10 am to 10 pm.
