Igniting & Using Fireworks

When Can Consumer Fireworks Be Ignited, Discharged, and Used?

Pursuant to state law, and City ordinance, consumer fireworks may be discharged, or used between 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.:

• From June 29 to July 4, and on July 5 if that date is a Friday or Saturday until 11:45 p.m.
• The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day and Labor Day until 11:45 p.m.
• December 31 (with an extended time until 1 a.m. on January 1).

Consumer Fireworks

The Act also prohibits the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or another person’s property without express permission to do so, and it prohibits the sale of consumer fireworks to anyone under 18 years old and the use of consumer fireworks and low-impact fireworks while under the influence of liquor and/or a controlled substance.

Fines for the illegal discharge of fireworks range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the violation.

What Are the Restrictions On How Fireworks Are Ignited, Discharged, and Used?

• Consumer fireworks and low-impact fireworks may not be ignited, discharged, or used by anyone who is under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance.
• The City’s ordinance requires a user of fireworks to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Fireworks also may not be used in a manner which is likely to, or does, cause harm to another or to property, and they may not be used in a manner that violates other City ordinances such as littering, disturbing the peace, or violating the City’s noise and nuisance ordinances.
• The City’s ordinance requires ignition of fireworks and novelties to comply with manufacturer’s directions and prohibits ignition by the use of anything except a match, a lighter, or a punk. No other ignitions sources are permitted when igniting fireworks and novelties in the City.
• The City’s ordinance also imposes penalties on any person who aids, abets, perpetuates, participates in, or otherwise promotes actions of another that are in violation of the City’s ordinance requirements and restrictions.
• Police and fire officials are permitted to confiscate fireworks and fireworks paraphernalia involved in any violation of the City’s ordinance.
• Minors may not ignite consumer fireworks.

Discharging Fireworks Restrictions

The City’s ordinance requires that the discharge of fireworks and novelties comply with manufacturer’s directions and prohibits discharging consumer fireworks in the following ways:

• At any person, vehicle, or conveyance
• During wind speeds exceeding 10 miles per hour
• From any location not at ground level
• From any surface that is not flat and level
• From within any container or object that could impede the aerial progress of the firework or cause a fire or explosion
• Within 20 feet of a property line
• Within 25 feet of a building
• Within 50 feet of a flame or flammable surface
• Within 500 feet of a gas station
• Within any enclosed space
• Within any public road or right-of-way
• Within, upon, or from a motor vehicle