Emporia Fire says fireworks were the likely cause of a Polycart fire early Friday.
Firefighters went to the 1400 block of Center around 2 am and found the trash receptacle beyond saving. Fire Capt. Wade Schmidt says the Polycart was away from any nearby structure, which is good because there would likely have been notable damage had the Polycart been up against a house, garage or other outbuilding.
Friday morning’s call was the first fireworks-related call for Emporia Fire this holiday season, whether for fire, injury or other emergency response. Emporia Fire is urging people to make sure all personal fireworks are completely doused with water before they are put into any trash receptacles.
Fireworks complaints have resembled recent past years so far, with seven complaints Thursday night and 28 total since the official sales and discharge window opened June 27. Last year had 45 total complaints, with almost half of those logged on July 4.
The official sales and discharge time period Friday is 10 am to 11 pm. On Saturday, the final day of legal fireworks sales and discharge in Emporia, the allowed time period is 10 am to 10 pm.
