State says 'no' to Sandy Beach fireworks, CBJ looking into matter

• News Home
• More from News of the North

Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 3:14pm

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Whatsapp

A view of Sandy Beach on Douglas Island.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The CBJ and state are looking into complaints about an annual private fireworks display.

It's looking like it will be a quiet July 3 this year on Sandy Beach.

The annual private celebration, held for the last five years on Douglas Island by resident Brett McCurley, has been put on notice by the state that it cannot happen.

McCurley says he has been told he cannot do the display without a license and insurance. McCurley says he is looking for ways to keep doing the show after complaints arose over a fire that started during a New Year's event.

According to fire chief Rich Etheridge, a complaint from the state warranted their investigation of McCurley. Etheridge added that McCurley has been in contact with the State Fire Marshal in Anchorage. They are advising him on code issues and required permits.

"We have meetings occurring this week to evaluate the situation as we currently know it and look at options," Etheridge said. "At this point Mr. McCurley has made no efforts to meet with the local officials. At this point the CBJ Fire Marshal is investigating a public complaint routed through the State Fire Marshals Office, no further action has been taken and no official position has been taken."

Numerous posts on social media state that Douglas has a long history of July 3 fireworks celebrations.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to note that the city is currently holding internal discussions on the matter.

 

More from News of the North

• New facility to open at previous gas station and convenience store downtown

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - A new gas station and convenience store at the previous site of a previous like facility opens Saturday off of the Douglas Bridge.

• New COVID-19 travel protocols issued by state to take effect Tuesday morning

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Under terms of a revised mandate issued by the State of Alaska COVID-19 testing will continue to be provided at no cost at airport testing sites to Alaska residents traveling into the state. The testing will now be opened to state residents traveling within the state. Testing for in-state travel by residents is voluntary.

• Ketchikan City Council sends governor COVID-19 mandate request

  Ketchikan, Alaska (KINY) - The Ketchikan City Council has formally requested Gov. Mike Dunleavy work with the State Emergency Operations Center to enact a mandatory fourteen-day quarantine health mandate for all inter-state and intra-state travel.

• DHSS adds 4 new COVID-19 cases in Southeast

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported four new cases of COVID-19 in Southeast on Friday.

• Governor responds to latest recall development while a guest on Action Line

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Governor Mike Dunleavy was asked to respond to the latest news from the committee seeking his recall while a guest on Action Line.

• Skagway looking at mandating masks in schools, borough facilities

  Skagway, Alaska (KINY) - Skagway's Assembly passed unanimously the first reading of an ordinance that would mandate the wearing of masks in public facilities, including the schools.

• Haines Assembly postpones discussion on manager position

  Haines, Alaska (KINY) - A Thursday meeting to discuss the future role of the city manager in Haines was postponed.

• No structural damage to Douglas Bridge after collision

  Juneau, Alaska (AP) - No major damage has been reported after a construction barge carrying a crane hit the underside of the Douglas Bridge in Juneau on Wednesday.

• CBJ provides update on UnCruise Adventures ship in Juneau

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The City and Borough of Juneau has provided an update about the status of guests and crew of a cruise docked in Juneau.

• 4 bears killed as part of Alaska bear attack investigation

  JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — State wildlife department employees have killed four bears near where authorities say a man was fatally attacked in a remote area behind his property in south-central Alaska.

• Trump says he'll listen to both sides on Alaska mine project

  By BECKY BOHRER JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would "listen to both sides" after his eldest son and a campaign adviser urged him to intervene to block a proposed copper and gold mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay region.

• AFN protests decision to shorten timeline for the 2020 census

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Alaska Federatiion of Natives says it is deeply concerned by Census Bureau plans to cut the national count a month short by ending operations September 30.