In August 2017, the Leitchfield City Council passed an ordinance limiting when fireworks may be set off within the city limits.
Earlier this week, and in response to previous years where fireworks have been set off by private citizens in the days and even weeks leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, the Leitchfield Police Department reminded citizens that it is against the law to set off fireworks before 10:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m., except on particular holidays.
The ordinance dictating fireworks’ usage in the city limits reads as follows:
As used in this section, the term FIREWORKS, includes any pyrotechnical device that is explosive or audible or an aerial device in function when ignited as defined in Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 227.702.
(B) Fireworks may only be used, ignited, fired or exploded between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. within the city; provided, however, that the ignition of fireworks is permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and midnight for the period of December 31 and January 1 of each year and on July 3, July 4 and on Memorial Day of each year.
(C) The limitations set forth in division (B) shall not apply to events sponsored by municipal, religious or civic groups to the extent sanctioned by the city.
(D) All sales of fireworks shall comply with the provisions of KRS 227.715.
(E) Violation of this section shall be punished as a violation (accompanied by a fine of not more than $500).
Safety tips
If one chooses to set off fireworks, the National Safety Council (NSC) recommends citizens adhere to the following safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
The NSC does not recommend children play with sparklers. The agency’s remarks on the popular firework are below:
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25 percent of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
