Fireworks law reminder

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The following information was provided by the City of Fort Wayne:

In the City of Fort Wayne, fireworks may be used only between 5 p.m. and two hours after dusk (approximately 11 p.m.) from June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 9. On the day before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the day before Labor Day and Labor Day, the hours are extended from 10 a.m. – to midnight. For New Year’s Eve, the hours are 10 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1.

Anyone with a fireworks-related complaint is to call the Fort Wayne Police Department at 427-1222.

The Fort Wayne City Ordinance governing the use of fireworks in Fort Wayne which is similar to Indiana’s State Fireworks Law which does allow adults age 18 and older to purchase fireworks for use in Fort Wayne on the user’s property, the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks, or at a special discharge location designated by the State Fire Marshal.

The following information pertains to Indiana State law which can be superceded by local laws, like the one Fort Wayne enacted:

With the fireworks season in full swing, Indiana citizens and retailers are being reminded of the state law governing the use and sale of fireworks. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Fire & Building Safety division urges Hoosiers to play it safe when using fireworks this summer.

In March of 2006, Governor Mitch Daniels signed a law that will help fund important public safety programs around the state, such as firefighter training, through the collection of a 5-percent safety fee on the sale of all fireworks. The law also includes requirements regarding where and when consumers can set off fireworks, as well as requirements for structures where fireworks are sold.

“Hoosiers need to remember that restrictions are in place regarding the use of fireworks, as well as the possible penalties for violations,” said Jim Greeson, State Fire Marshal. “We want to stress the personal responsibility of each fireworks consumer. Obey our laws, follow directions for safe use and apply common sense.”

Fireworks law provisions:

Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.
Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.
Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person’s death.
On Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve, 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. Local laws may further affect fireworks use.

The IDHS Fire & Building Safety Division recommends Hoosiers check the fireworks they purchase to ensure they contain the following information:

Class “C”
Consumer Fireworks
1.4 g

“If you find a package that you cannot read because it is in a foreign language, it says Class ‘B’ fireworks, or 1.3 g, we strongly encourage you to call the Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline (800-638-2772),” Greeson added.

If you would like more information on fireworks or the IDHS Building Safety Division, please visit www.in.gov/dhs.