CROUCH, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho city notorious for dangerous consumer fireworks displays has decided to ban fireworks this year.
The city of Crouch, 50 miles northeast of Boise, receives thousands of visitors each year during Fourth of July looking to take part in the risky fun.
Visitors have caused damage to local property in the past and left the city of less than 200 residents trashed, Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce President Diane Caughlin told the Idaho Statesman (http://bit.ly/2sKvnCQ).
"In the last few years, people aren't coming up here to spend money. They're coming up here to blow (expletive) up," she said. "It seems like they don't have any respect for our town."
Videos of previous years' celebrations showed revelers randomly igniting fireworks on the street.
City Council recently voted to ban fireworks in the city. The city will soon put up signs announcing the ban.
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Violators can be cited with an infraction and receive a $100 fine.
Boise County Sheriff's Office officials, private security and other law enforcement agencies will be in town to enforce the ban.
"We're trying to make it impossible for people to fire off fireworks in downtown Crouch," she said.
The Chamber of Commerce members decided in March to continue to host holiday related-events such as a pancake breakfast and parade. They also have a derby scheduled in an area where holiday visitors typically light fireworks.
A professional fireworks show at Weilmunster Park is still scheduled.
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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com
