Fire Chief Provides Safety Tips for Fourth of July

With the July 4 holiday just around the corner, Frankfort Fire Chief John Kirby reminds residents fireworks only are allowed to be legally set off on one’s own property from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. June 29 – July 3 and those same hours July 5 – 7. On Wednesday, July 4, they can be set off on residents’ own property from 10:00 a.m. – midnight.
 
“Other than those dates, it is illegal for residents to light fireworks anywhere within the City limits,” Kirby said. “No fireworks should hit neighboring residences or other structures surrounding the home of where fireworks are being used.”
 
The City of Frankfort’s ordinance regarding fireworks follows State of Indiana Code.
 
Anyone with concerns about fireworks in their neighborhood before or after these dates should contact the Police Department at 765-654-4431 to report the problem.
 
Frankfort’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show will take place Wednesday, July 4 in TPA Park at approximately 10:15 p.m.
 
Fireworks safety tips:
  • young children should never play with fireworks
  • always have an adult supervise fireworks activities; children can be injured by sparklers because they burn at around 2,000 degrees which is hot enough to melt some metals
  • keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks
  • light only one stick at a time, then move back quickly
  • if when lit, a firework doesn’t work, do not try to relight it, but douse it with water
  • never point or throw fireworks at another person
  • avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packages as those are produced for use by professionals and often contain large versions.
 “The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates on average 250 people go to the ER every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday.
 
“Often the thrill of setting off fireworks can bring great pain if not done properly. We are asking for everyone’s cooperation this year to help ensure July 4 and the days surrounding this holiday are safe, relaxing and fun for our entire community,” Kirby said.