The City of Salina announced a new policy Wednesday afternoon, saying they would not issue barricades to close public roads around the Independence Day Holiday this year. That policy would essentially make neighborhood block parties impossible. A couple of hours after the new policy was announced, though, it was rescinded. Wednesday evening the city issued the following brief statement:

The previous information regarding the issuance of barricade permits for July 3 and 4 has been rescinded. Barricades will be allowed with a proper permit. As a reminder, fireworks are only allowed to be ignited/discharged on July 3 and 4 from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Fireworks are not to be ignited or launched while on public property or on roadways.

The city had indicated that the policy was originally enacted “to ensure the safety of residents and reduce the likelihood of the unauthorized discharging of fireworks within neighborhoods”. It did not indicate why it was quickly rescinded.

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ORIGINAL: Independence Day Holiday celebrations will have to stay out of the street this year. The

In past years citizens could request the barricades to stop traffic on their street to have “block party”. That won’t be allowed this year.

According to the city, to ensure the safety of residents and reduce the likelihood of the unauthorized discharging of fireworks within neighborhoods, they will not be issuing barricade permits for the 3rd or 4th of July.

Fireworks are only allowed to be ignited/discharged on July 3 and 4 from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Fireworks are not to be ignited or launched while on public property or on roadways.

Officials stress that public safety is the primary concern.