Tuesday is the Fourth of July. Know area fireworks laws before firing.
HANCOCK COUNTY — Fireworks are expected to be flying high and low for the next several days with Independence Day celebrated Tuesday. Local officials want people to have a great time but note it’s important to know the laws and dangers surrounding fireworks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics show at least 18 people were killed in fireworks accidents in 2020. Another 15,600 were injured badly enough to require medical attention. The CPSC noted there was an increase in fireworks-related injuries from 2006 through 2021.
Fireworks can cause costly and devastating property damage, particularly since it’s been so dry. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, causing five deaths, 46 injuries and $105 million in property damage.
Hancock County Commissioner’s President Bill Spalding noted due to dry conditions they have not declared a burning ban just yet and don’t plan to. However, Spalding is asking for county residents to be smart and think about their surroundings before lighting fireworks.
“We are really asking for people to stop, think and be prepared, have a hose near by if they plan to light fireworks,” Spalding said.
In Indiana, it’s legal for residents to use consumer fireworks, but laws are in place to keep users and their families safe. Indiana law specifies the times fireworks can be set off on certain holidays, including the Fourth of July, and those times can vary.
Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say they follow state law. In Indiana, residents are allowed to set fireworks off until 11 p.m. any day of the week. On the Fourth of July, people can set off fireworks until midnight.
Greenfield does have an ordinance for consumer fireworks. In the summertime, the ordinance limits the use of fireworks inside the corporate limits from June 29 through July 9 from 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset, except for July 4. On Independence Day, fireworks may be used from 10 a.m. through midnight.
Greenfield Police Department deputy chief Charles McMichael stated, “any other days, the person using the fireworks is subject to a city ordinance violation ticket.”
The GPD also wants to remind people that fireworks are no joke and hurt thousands of people every year, some resulting in death.
“These are not toys but small explosives that must be handled with extreme care,” McMichael said. “It’s also been very dry lately with very little rain.”
Fireworks, McMichael knows, can result in fires and should always be put into a bucket of water after they have been used and left to soak for several hours. It’s also a good idea to have a hose ready, just in case they catch the grass on fire.
“Fountains that spray sparks just above the ground can easily ignite dry grass,” McMichael said. “Keep your homes’ windows closed if you or your neighbors are using fireworks.”
McMichael wanted to remind people that sparklers, while seemingly harmless since they don’t go anywhere, are probably more dangerous because they aren’t thought of as dangerous.
“Sparklers burn at around 2,000 degrees,” McMichael said. “This will burn your skin in a fraction of a second and can also ignite clothing very quickly.”
Sparklers are responsible for 25% of fireworks-related emergency room visits. Sparklers account for about 50% of injuries in children under age 5. Glow sticks are a fun and safe option to sparklers.
Fireworks should be used only on personal property or special discharge locations and not on public streets in neighborhoods. To use fireworks on other properties, such as a neighborhood street, the individual must obtain permission.
Officials from the Indiana State Police say only individuals 18 years of age or older may purchase fireworks in Indiana. A person 18 years of age or older must be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing fireworks.
Law enforcement officials say it is important to check with local officials within your town limits, as local ordinances may restrict the use of fireworks.
A person who violates firework laws can be charged with a class “C” infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly or intentionally uses fireworks and the violation causes property damage, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If there is bodily injury, it is enhanced to a Level 6 felony and, if there is death, a Level 5 felony.
While most enjoy the thrill of fireworks, they can cause serious distress to animals, including livestock. Not only do animals suffer psychologically, but also physically as many attempt to run away from or hide from the loud booms of fireworks. Animal owners are asked to not bring their dogs to a firework display and to bring all animals inside if able during the celebration.
Officials also ask the public to be considerate of veterans in your area, as many combat veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder can have issues with the noise of fireworks.
According to patient.info, if you live near a veteran and are going to set off fireworks, to consider using low-noise fireworks, give your neighbors notice in advance or just go to a professional display or an organized event in your community to keep fireworks away from residential areas.
The safest way to enjoy the Fourth of July is to let professionals shoot off the fireworks. Locally, there is a free fireworks show set to go off at dusk from the Greenfield-Central Junior High field sponsored by the Dellen Automotive Family. People may park at the school or a nearby street to enjoy the show safely.
