Council approves July 4 fireworks display and wildland fire operations plan after fire department praised for storm response

The Rawlins City Council on July 1 approved the city’s Independence Day fireworks display and authorized the fire department to sign a state wildland fire operations plan, while council and staff publicly commended the fire department for recent emergency response work.

Vice Mayor Garner moved to authorize the Rollins Fire Department to proceed with the July 4 fireworks show; the motion passed in an online vote (recorded as 7 yays). The recorded cost shown in meeting materials and cited by staff was $22,371.37 for the display.

The council also approved a motion to authorize the city to enter the Wyoming Wildland Fire Management Operation Plan (AOP 2025) and to allow Chief Alvin Robinson to sign the plan; that motion also passed unanimously.

Separately, Lieutenant Rick Cooper (email read into the record by staff) commended Fire Chief Alvin Robinson and the department for their response to a severe weather event on June 28. Cooper’s message noted the department mobilized four apparatuses to support wildland fires outside city limits and also responded to a fully engulfed semi‑truck fire at a local facility. Sarvey read Cooper’s email aloud and the council acknowledged the department’s actions.

Staff emphasized fireworks safety and noted Carbon County Resolution 19‑81‑8 prohibiting consumer fireworks elsewhere in the county; the city’s organized, professional display was positioned as the safest alternative. Council asked staff to coordinate with nearby property owners and event contractors to avoid conflicts with new tower construction and to publicize safety guidance for residents.