When the Barton County Commission  and the Great Bend City Council meet Monday, sparks may fly. Both agendas include discussion over the public discharge of fireworks.
The commission, which meets at 9 a.m. at the courthouse, will consider a resolution allowing the discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county on Saturday, Sept. 29, according to the commission’s agenda. This rescinds action banning fireworks taken July 2.
With the Fourth of July looming, the earlier action was taken as the hot, dry weather pattern created a dangerous fire conditions. At that time, it was determined that the commission would consider further action on Aug. 6.  
However, that date rolled around and things hadn’t gotten much better. So, the commission opted to ban fireworks until such time as the drought conditions have improved and fireworks can be discharged safely.
Monday, the commission will consider the resolution in conjunction with area cities that have also banned private fireworks. Along with the county, the City of Great Bend and other area communities also put bans in place.
At 7:30 p.m. at the City Office, the council will, upon the recommendation of Fire Chief Mike Napolitano, “set a date for private fireworks discharge,” the agenda notes. According to City Administrator Howard Partington, the city is looking at the same date as the county.
This is not to be confused with the City of Great Bend community fireworks display will take place at dusk Saturday, Sept. 22, on the night of the Airfest and Big Bend Bike Rally. On Sept. 4,  the council approved the display, but left alone individually owned fireworks.
On a somewhat related note, the county commission will again consider the county-wide burn ban. Local Fire Chiefs have asked that the Commission continue to prohibit burning in Barton County.