Home    Product Recalls   Links   Local News   Weather

 

 Fire Prevention   Fire Inspection   Fire Investigation   Back

Fireworks safety

 

Be Careful Out There


Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
  • Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
  • Always purchase your fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers.
  • Use in a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
  • Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks or those in close proximity to the fireworks.
  • Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework item at a time.
  • Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any "dud" firework item.
  • Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby.
  • Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators.
  • Never smoke when handling fireworks.
  • Do not use alcohol with fireworks.
  • Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.

Fireworks Law Now In Effect

The Indiana General Assembly, during the 2007 session, passed a new fireworks law. On the Fourth of July, Labor Day, New Year's Eve and Memorial Day fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight. Any other day of the year, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Violating the law can result in a fine of up to $500. A second violation, within five years, could result in jail time of up to 60 days and a $500 fine.

Be sure you check with your local government to see if they have adopted a local ordinance before discharging fireworks. The new law gives local governments the authority to adopt ordinances that may limit when fireworks may be discharged.

Buying and Using Fireworks
In addition to sparklers (ground spinners, cone fountains, wheels, cylindrical fountains), bottle rockets, roman candles and fire crackers are legal to discharge. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase fireworks.

Fireworks may be discharged only on your property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to discharge fireworks or at special discharge locations. Persons who violate this law could be fined up to $500 per infraction. A second violation within five years, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500.

Those under the age of 18 may possess or use fireworks only in the presence of an adult. Violations can result in a fine of up to $500 per infraction. A second violation, within five years, can result in delinquency charges.

Use Common Sense
A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation results in serious bodily injury to a person commits a Class D felony, an offense punishable by imprisonment from six months to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.

A person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation causes harm to the property of a person commits a Class A misdemeanor, an offense punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000.

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation results in the death of a person commits a Class C felony, an offense punishable by imprisonment from two to eight years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Contact us

 
 Call (574) 272-2144
Fax (574) 272-4043
Write: 18355 Auten Rd
 South Bend, IN 46637
 
Police-Fire-EMS-Dial 911

STAFF

David Cherrone
Fire Marshal
Email 
 
Ron Melser Jr.
Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Specialist
Email 
 

Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

 Evening Information

For all Non-emergency information during evening and weekend hours please leave a message with duty shift.  Your call will be answered on the next day's regular business hours.

Staying safe on the 4th of July

Posted: June 21, 2008 07:00 PM

FOX 28.com Featured Video
Firework safety

It's a familiar sound and sight especially when the Fourth of July rolls around.

Patrick Sheck buys fireworks every year. He says to keep the holiday fun, you want to make sure it's safe.

Patrick Sheck says, "They have these shell launches and I guess it didn't go off and a guy stuck his head in to look. I don't think I would do that."

David Cherrone is the Clay Fire Marshal and he says, "People who wouldn't dare think of handing their child a lighter will hand them a sparkler and it's even more dangerous because it's already lit."

So it's not just the large fireworks but the seemingly harmless ones, too.

Fireworks Shop Owner George Graves says he preaches safety to his customers...no matter the size of their purchase.

Graves says, "The same rules apply. You have to have solid flat object to set it on. I suggest to a lot of people they put it in a five gallon bucket."

Cherrone says, "Everyone of these has directions, but sometimes people think they're smarter than the people who make these and that's when we have more injuries."

Use the directions or just plain old common sense.

Firework buyer Patrick Sheck says, "We don't throw them at each other. We don't hold on to them and let them go up on our fingers and stuff."

Graves says, "Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. That's a poor choice."

Maybe a professional public fireworks show is a cheaper and safer route to take.

Each city has its own fireworks ordinances so you should check with your local police department to find out the laws for your area.

Be sure to find out how long you can use your fireworks, where you can use them and regulations on cleaning-up the debris they leave behind.

 

 

 

 Date Last Modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
 
Mailing Address:  18355 Auten Road, South Bend, IN 46637
Any problems please email: Webmaster