Fire, injury due to fireworks reported over July 3-4 in Copperas Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The Copperas Cove area kept Copperas Cove police and fire first responders busy over the 4th of July holiday time period. 

A male suffered major trauma to both hands from fireworks on July 3rd, confirmed Copperas Cove Police Chief Gary Young. 

“The patient was flown by aeromedical service to Scott and White Medical Center for trauma care.” 

On July 3rd, the City of Copperas Cove’s daily police bulletin noted a call to a residence in the 200 block of Erby Avenue, concerning the “manufacture, sale, discharge of fireworks.” 

“The case listed on the blotter was due to an injury reported, which resulted from the use of fireworks,” said Lt. Krystal Baker with the Copperas Cove Police Department. 

On July 4, the Copperas Cove Fire Department was called out on five work related fire calls, but no injuries. 

A grassy drainage ditch caught fire in the 1700 block of Lindsey Drive in the House Creek North neighborhood on the evening of July 4th. 

Chief Young said that four total personnel and two fire vehicles responded, and that crews were on-scene for 50 minutes.

Lt. Baker said that on July 4th, the police department received 59 calls altogether regarding the use of fireworks. 

“There were 59 calls for service regarding fireworks, with 56 of those occurring in less than three hours,” Baker confirmed. 

Within the Copperas Cove city limits, the use of fireworks – even sparklers – is illegal according to city ordinance. Violators can face a fine of up to $200