Davis Raises Fireworks Safety Concern as Salina Storm Debris Remains Ahead of July 4
As Salina continues cleaning up tree damage from the June 8 storm, one city commissioner raised a new concern Monday: whether piles of limbs and branches left near sidewalks and streets could create a fire risk during Fourth of July fireworks.
During discussion of the city’s storm-related tree cleanup, Commissioner Trent Davis said a citizen had raised the concern with him.
“I have one concern from a citizen, haven’t thought of it on my own, but it’s a good concern,” Davis said. “Do we anticipate the branches on the sidewalks to be cleared in time to make fireworks safe on July 4?”
City Manager Jacob Wood said he did not expect all of the debris to be removed before the holiday.
“I don’t think that we will be able to get through all of those,” Wood said.
Wood said the Salina Fire Department typically issues a fireworks safety message before the Fourth of July. He said that message may need to include a warning about the amount of dry tree debris still sitting along streets and sidewalks after the storm.
“There’s no chance we’ll have it all cleaned up by then,” Wood said.
Davis then asked whether the city may need to provide specific recommendations or restrictions for residents who have large piles of limbs near their property.
“Would there be recommendations, restrictions, or if there’s a big pile of wood eight feet high on your sidewalk, no fireworks within 50 feet?” Davis asked, noting he was simply offering an example.
No specific new fireworks restriction was adopted during the discussion. However, the exchange highlighted a practical issue facing the city as Independence Day approaches: Salina is still dealing with a large amount of storm debris, and fireworks could add another layer of risk if residents are lighting them near dry branches, brush piles, or damaged trees.
The concern came during a larger discussion over tree removal and cleanup following the June 8 storm, which caused widespread damage across Salina. City officials said tree cleanup is taking place at about 26 park locations, with some of the most significant damage reported at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Thomas Park, and Lakewood Park.
The City Commission ultimately voted 5-0 to temporarily increase the city manager’s purchasing authority to $200,000 for tree trimming and removal services related to the June 8 storm. The temporary authority applies through Dec. 31, 2026, and is limited to storm-related tree work.
City staff said the additional authority is intended to speed up cleanup of large trees that are too big or difficult for city crews to handle quickly with existing equipment and staffing.
Several commissioners also discussed the hidden dangers left behind by the storm, including weakened limbs still hanging in trees and large trees that may appear stable but could be hollow or damaged.
With July 4 approaching, Davis’ question added another public safety issue to the cleanup conversation. Even if streets, parks, and the cemetery continue to improve, city officials acknowledged that some limb piles and tree debris will likely remain in place when fireworks season arrives.
That means residents may be asked to take extra precautions this year, especially around dry brush, stacked limbs, damaged trees, and areas where debris has not yet been collected.
The Salina Fire Department is expected to release its annual fireworks safety guidance ahead of the holiday.