Kansas City, Kan., residents might want to acquaint themselves with the citys ordinances if fireworks are part of their Fourth of July celebrations.
Police and fire officials will once again be cracking down on those who violate the citys ordinances involving fireworks sales, possession and discharge.
We want everybody to have a safe Fourth of July and a safe holiday, said Police Sgt. Robert Baumli. Enforcing the ordinance will go a long ways in doing that.
Under the ordinance, fireworks can be discharged only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. from July 2 through July 4, even though sales start next Wednesday, Baumli said. That leaves up to three days of ordinance-violating temptation facing those who buy early.
Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged within 1,000 feet of a hospital, sanitarium, infirmary or home for the aged. Fireworks also cannot be discharged into, under or on a vehicle.
Also, fireworks cannot be discharged on any sidewalk, street or alley.
People should set off the fireworks in their yard or grass, Baumli said.
Only Class C or consumer fireworks can be discharged, a group that includes sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers, aerial spinners, roman candles, firecrackers, snakes, smoke bombs and party poppers.
Prohibited fireworks include bottle rockets, sky rockets and missile-type rockets.
A list of approved fireworks with its limitations can be found in the citys ordinances, Section 15-73, Baumli said. The prohibited fireworks are defined in Section 15-74.
Fireworks stands in Kansas City, Kan., are required to distribute copies of the city ordinances relating to the discharge of fireworks and the ban on prohibited fireworks. Copies are available in English and Spanish.
Those wanting to shoot a public display must comply with city ordinances, which require applying for permits and providing insurance.
A valid display operators license is required to shoot commercial fireworks. The licenses are issued by the Kansas state fire marshals office.
Fireworks sales are permitted only between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from June 29 through July 4.
Violation of fireworks ordinances is punishable by fines of no more than $2,000 or by imprisonment in the city jail for a period not exceeding 90 days.
The crackdown, Fire Chief Tom DeKeyser said, is done every year. Not only does the Fire Department inspect every fireworks stand in the city, it will do follow-up inspections to make sure they are complying with codes.
We will making sure the fireworks sold are legal fireworks, DeKeyser said. We are trying to make it a safe holiday for all residents.
Last year, the Fire Department responded to four fires caused by fireworks, including one structure fire that caused $25,000 in damage, DeKeyser said. The department had three calls where three persons were injured by fireworks and had to be taken to a hospital. Last year, there were 71 fireworks stands in the city.
That compares with 15 fires in 2003 caused by fireworks, including two structure fires that caused $55,000 in damage. Two persons were injured and had to be taken to the hospital. That year, there were 63 fireworks stands.
DeKeyser said people need to be cautious around fireworks, including the small ones, because they all can cause injuries, including burns.
Common sense will take people a long way, DeKeyser said. We just ask people to stop and think about what they are doing.
Never give fireworks to small children, even if an adult is present.
Parents should supervise children and teen-agers while they discharge fireworks.
Alcohol and fireworks dont mix. Have someone who has not been drinking be the designated shooter.
Read and follow instructions on the fireworks.
Have a source of water handy in case a firework tips over and malfunctions, starting a fire.
Do not try to re-light unexploded fireworks; they could still be smoldering. If they dont go off, leave alone for at least 10 minutes, then douse with water and discard them.
Never lean over a firework; it makes you very vulnerable if the explosive should go off unexpectedly.
Stick with legal fireworks.
Distributed by the Associated Press
