Title
Vote to approve a Pyrotechnics Display at the Bennett Baptist Church, 68 E. Bonlee Street, Bennett, NC 27208, on October 26, 2024
Abstract
Introduction & Background: North Carolina General Statute 14-410, 14-413 (Attachment #A) requires that Pyrotechnic Displays be pre-approved by the County Board of Commissioners of the County that the display is to be conducted in. Mr. Kevin Wetzel, Wetzel Pyrotechnics, has submitted a letter of request (Attachment #B) to conduct a Pyrotechnics display at 68 E. Bonlee Street, Bennett, NC., on October 26, 2024. Mr. Dennis Lewis, Wetzel Pyrotechnics will be the Lead Operator for the display.
Discussion & Analysis: Due to the dangerous nature of the use of pyrotechnics, the State of North Carolina enacted strict requirements including the licensing of Pyrotechnic Display Operators. Mr. Wetzel has provided the required documentation for review which includes a copy of his NC Pyrotechnic Display Operators License (Attachment #C), Certificate of Insurance (Attachment #D), and an ATF License/Permit (Attachment #E). Mr. Wetzel has also submitted a drawing of the area denoting the required distances from the spectators and structures (Attachment #F). The sizes and types of pyrotechnics to be used were reviewed. Mr. Wetzel has met the applicable requirements of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1123 Fireworks and Explosives. Once notice is received that the County Board of Commissioners has approved the event, the pyrotechnics company representative will be contacted to advise them of the approval and request they please stay abreast of the conditions at the display site as the event draws near. If dry and/or windy conditions appear to pose an increased risk to life or property, a Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will request that the operator contact the firm and/or persons that they have contracted with and advise them of the same.
A Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will also contact the company and/or person and advise them of the same. In the event that conditions continue to exist that pose and elevated and/or increased risk to lives and property due to fire and it is determined that the event may need to be cancelled, the Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office representative will contact the pyrotechnic company representative and the firm and/or person they have contracted with within a minimum of forty eight (48) hours prior to the event and advise them of the same. The company and/or persons organizing and responsible for holding the event will give notice to nearby residents of the event a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the actual event. In accordance with the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code an inspection of the display area will be conducted by a Certified NC Fire Prevention Inspector of the Chatham County Fire Marshal's Office prior to the actual display. A piece of fire apparatus and personnel from the Bennett Volunteer Fire Department will be on-site before, during, and after the display. The Chatham County Fire Marshal will conduct a post display inspection of the display area.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
Budgetary Impact:
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve the Pyrotechnics Display to be conducted at 68 E. Bonlee Street, Bennett, NC., on October 26, 2024.