Fire Chief Walters outlines safety zones, closures for Medina's July 3 fireworks

Medina — Fire Chief Walters told City Council on June 22 that the city’s July 3 fireworks show at Medina High School will use larger ordnance and expanded fallout zones, and that officials will close and barricade portions of the high school property well before the 10 p.m. shoot time to keep the public out of danger.

Walters used aerial diagrams to show a red ring marking the primary fallout area and a yellow ring indicating the approach/barricade lines. "There is always the possibility that one of those large shells could shoot several hundred feet in the air and not detonate and then come back down," Walters said, explaining why perimeter controls and security are stricter this year.

The chief said the contractor, American Fireworks, will begin setup early the morning of the event and that the city will close certain lots and walkways; barriers will go up the night before in some areas. The fire department, police and school staff will enforce restricted access and assist with crowd movement. Walters asked residents to avoid the taped-off zones and follow posted detour and parking guidance.

Walters also described cleanup plans: crews will be stationed over the weekend, but he said the major cleanup of debris from roads and sidewalks is planned for the following Monday. Council members raised routine concerns about roadside debris after fireworks and the department said it will have staff in the area through the weekend and prioritize a Monday cleanup.

Council's public-safety discussion also noted that some spectator areas (cul-de-sacs and certain lots) will remain open for the summer camp pickup window but could be closed after barricades are set; speakers urged residents to plan routes accordingly.

The city’s next public reminders will include map-based guidance for parking, pedestrian access and prohibited areas; officials said they will post barricade and closure information in advance of the July 3 event.