Shooting fireworks? Know the rules

Fireworks are an annual tradition in Franklin County, but each city has its own rules regarding fireworks.

In Ottawa, fireworks cannot be sold or set off within city limits. Fireworks stands generally are located just outside the city and are regulated by the county. The stands near Ottawa will sell fireworks now until July 5.  

In Wellsville, fireworks can be shot off within the city limits on July 3 and 4 only. Also, they have to be shot a block or more away from the business district. Stands are legal in Wellsville on July 3 and 4.

In Pomona, fireworks can be shot off in town on the days they can be sold in the state of Kansas, which is from now until July 5.  However, they only can be shot between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., except July 4 when they can be shot until midnight. Stands are not legal in the city limits.

Larry Walrod, the county’s planning director said the county has granted seven permits to sell fireworks. That’s about the same as the past couple of years, he said, but a couple of stands have been added outside Wellsville.

Booming business

Fred and Wendy Thomas, of Fred and Wendy’s fireworks on K-68 near the I-35 interchange at Ottawa, say their sales have gone up over the years. Despite the soft economy, they hope the trend continues.

“We think that because of the economy, people may not be willing to spend the money to go on vacation and they’ll spend the holiday in town,” Wendy Thomas said. 

The Thomases prepared for this year’s season the same as other years, they said.

Safety tips

In Franklin County, “reloadable” fireworks like mortars may be legal but they have the most potential to be dangerous, Fred and Wendy Thomas said. Still, that’s almost always because of operator mistake, they said.

They said many fireworks can be both safe and enjoyable if used properly. For young children, they recommend “poppers” and “black snakes” as an alternative to more dangerous exploding products, although all fireworks should be used under adult supervision.

In 2008, 63 percent of hospitals in Kansas reported 132 firework-related accidents, a 5-percent increase from 2007, according to a 2008 accident report from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. Ordinary firecrackers were the cause of 32 of these injuries, the report said. Sparklers caused the second highest number of reported firework-related injuries in the state, with 17. 

Ninety-five of the injuries were burn related.

The National Council for Firework Safety suggests the following safety tips:

• Use fireworks outdoors only.

• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

• Always have water handy (like a hose or bucket).

• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

• Only people older than 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.