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Illegal fireworks cited in Park Ridge grass fire
Updated: August 13, 2012 6:31AM
PARK RIDGE — A July 4 celebration that involved illegal fireworks is believed to have caused a small grass fire in a residential Park Ridge neighborhood.
Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Sorensen said the fire scorched a 5-foot-by-10-foot section of parkway grass about 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Chester Avenue and Arthur Street.
According to the call made to the Park Ridge Fire Department neighbors reported that fireworks had landed on the grass and started it on fire, Sorensen said.
The fire was reportedly out by the time firefighters arrived.
“It didn’t get out of hand. Someone noticed it quickly,” Sorensen said.
Hot and dry weather conditions had Park Ridge fire officials concerned about the use of fireworks by residents and the potential for fires. In preparation for the annual July 3 fireworks at Maine East High School crews had watered the grass around the launch site in an effort to prevent a fire.
The small grass fire at Chester and Arthur could have been worse, Sorensen noted.
“We’re just lucky it wasn’t a house or a deck,” he said.
Park Ridge Deputy Police Chief Dave Keller said no citations were issued as the person responsible was not located.
