Fireworks Stand To Open In McKinney Neighborhood
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FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) – The Frisco Fire Department and many homeowners aren't happy about a fireworks stand on schedule to open in their McKinney's Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood tomorrow.
Jake's Fireworks already has its shelves stacked and owner Daryl Livingston is just waiting for customers to come through the front door.
"We're excited. Also a little nervous since this is the first time we've done it," said Livingston.
But nearby residents don't share his excitement.
"I'm not a big fan of it. I like to see those things over by the highway not in my backyard," said McKinney resident Matt Schwab.
His family lives nearby and would rather not have bottle rockets and other explosives sold so close to their home.
A state law that required fireworks retailers to stay 5000 feet from a city border was repealed last year, opening the door for places like Jake's Fireworks. It's something the Frisco Fire Department calls "extremely dangerous."
"There absolutely is a concern by us and we will be enforcing up through Fourth of July to make sure that we keep the town safe," said Captain Kevin Haines with the Frisco Fire Department.
Frisco and McKinney have responded with digital signs nearby warning that fireworks within the cities is illegal.
A Collin County fire marshal inspected the site on the sliver of unincorporated county land, and is ready to shut it down for the slightest violation.
But some nearby residents welcome it.
"I think it's great. It's way more convenient than ever to go somewhere along 380 a long ways," said McKinney resident Harrison Prentice. "I don't think putting a stand here is gonna cause any more alarm."
But Captain Haines admitted the department was surprised about Jake's Fireworks plans to open. It's a surprise they don't have any jurisdictional control over either.
The biggest concern among critics is young teenagers having such easy access to fireworks possibly causing problems.
But Livingston said they will make sure that doesn't happen and monitor who they are selling to.
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