Fireworks Safety, Rules and Regulations, and Other Important Information

Did you know that on Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day? Fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause.

The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.

Each July fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. Each year, nearly 8,000 people are injured using fireworks and about half of the victims are under 15 years of age.

Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay safe during the holiday:

* Use fireworks outdoors in approved areas and away from buildings and dry grassy areas.
* Never allow children to use fireworks without direct adult supervision. Before allowing children to participate, make sure you instruct them on the safe use of fireworks. Teach them respect for a dangerous explosive.
* Before attempting to light any fireworks, read all the instructions carefully.
* Alcohol and drugs are never a winning combination, especially with a dangerous explosive such as fireworks.
* Open flames from cigarettes can be hazardous to your health and others around you. Do not smoke around fireworks.
* Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
* Never throw or toss fireworks at another person or animal.
* Never pick up or attempt to relight unlit or unexploded fireworks or wet fireworks.
* Do not light fireworks near flammable objects.
* Store fireworks away from small children and in a cool dry place.
* Consider your wind and direction when lighting fireworks. Do not light fireworks if they will blow on top of houses, building or into fields with dry grass.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to extinguish fires. As always if the fire is too large for you to extinguish with an extinguisher call 911 immediately. It is helpful to also have a bucket of water close by to douse any hot fireworks.
* Keep a first aid kit nearby for treatment of minor burns.
* Never light or hold fireworks from your hands or any other body party.
* Always clean you area of debris after you finish using fireworks. Children have a habit of looking for unexploded fireworks. Always dispose of fireworks properly.
* DO NOT dispose of hot fireworks in any type of plastic container or dumpster.

For Saline County and Salina Residents there are different regulations for the discharge of fireworks in the city and county. To help clarify we have provided you with some important information.

Saline County (to include the cities of Brookville, Smolan, New Cambria, Assaria, and Gypsum):
Dates of Sale – June 27th through July 5th from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight each day
Dates of Discharge – June 27th through July 5th from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight each day

City of Salina:
Dates of Sale – June 27th through July 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day
Dates of Discharge – July 3rd and 4th ONLY from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm each day  *Will be strictly enforced this year*

Fireworks Displays:
July 3rd – Salina Speedway (following races)
July 4th – Sky Fire
July 4th – Salina Country Club (fireworks display for their members)

Regulations:
When using approved consumer fireworks, a person shall not ignite or discharge fireworks:
a. While on public property;
b. While on private property without the express written consent of the property owner, including the property owner’s name, address, telephone number and signature;
c. Into, under, or from a car or vehicle, whether moving or standing still, or on a public roadway or the right-of-way adjoining a public roadway;
d. Within 100 feet of anb hospital, sanitarium, infirmary, nursing home, or assisted living facility;
e. Within 300 feet of any consumer fireworks facility;
f. So as to throw, cast, or propel the fireworks in the direction of or into the path of any person or group of persons, whether on foot, on a bicycle, on a motorcycle or in a vehicle;
g. So as to impact adjoining property from either direct contact from fireworks or the residue resulting from the use of fireworks.

To report fireworks violations, please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210 or the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 785-826-6500. Do NOT call 911 unless it is an emergency!

Saline County Fireworks Stands:
Wholesale Fireworks – 2409 E. Magnolia (Corner of Magnolia & Markley)
Wholesale Fireworks – 200 E. Ave B  (Just South of Lowes)
Wholesale Fireworks – 5991 S. Old 81 Hwy
TNT Fireworks – 2655 S. Ohio
Crazy Ed’s – Assaria

City of Salina Fireworks Stands:
Boomtown Fireworks – 2245 S. 9th (Central Mall Parking Lot)
Boomtown Fireworks – 321 S. Broadway (Ace Hardware Parking Lot)
Crazy Ed’s Fireworks – 400 S. Broadway (Kmart Parking Lot)
Farha Fireworks – 1820 S. 9th (South View Plaza Parking Lot)
Skip’s Fireworks – 1815 N. 9th (Mid Kansas Homes and Movers Parking Lot)
Taz Fireworks – 453 S. Broadway (Village Inn Parking Lot)
TNT Fireworks – 2900 S. 9th (Walmart Parking Lot)