FLAGSTAFF — A U.S. District Court issued a subpoena to the city manager in Williams in connection with a Fourth of July fireworks show that sparked a half-acre fire.
City Manager Dennis Wells said he received the subpoena on Friday asking for information on the city's fireworks display.
The display was halted Wednesday five minutes after it started because firefighters had noticed spot fires developing. One of those fires grew to more than half an acre on the Kaibab National Forest and was dubbed the Fourth Fire.
More than 50 firefighters quickly surrounded the blaze, which was squelched by Thursday afternoon and did not damage any structures or cause any injuries.
Williams officials defended their decision to hold the fireworks display despite extreme fire conditions. They maintained that the high demand for the show warranted the risk.
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Many Arizona towns and cities near forested areas often cancel fireworks displays for the Fourth of July, depending on fire conditions. Flagstaff, about 30 miles east of Williams, nixed its show this year because of the danger.
Wells said Williams plans to fully cooperate with federal authorities.
"We believe the facts speak for themselves, and we will supply all the information we possibly can," he said.
