Very soon, fireworks can be legally bought and shot in the Emporia city limits.
Emporia Fire Marshal Stephen Beemer joined KVOE’s Morning Show this week to discuss the run-up to the official sales and discharge window beginning at 10 am Friday, as well as the do’s and don’ts of Emporia’s fireworks ordinance. Beemer says this is a busy week as he and other inspectors take a look at the different fireworks stands to make sure everything is up to snuff.
Speaking of what’s allowed and what isn’t, Beemer says the same general list of illegal fireworks is in place from years past.
From the safety perspective, Beemer says children obviously need to be monitored and there needs to be ample water on hand in case a fire develops. Also, Beemer echoed comments made last week by Emporia Police Capt. Ray Mattas in where not to shoot, including on city streets, in city parks and, in general terms, all government-owned property, regardless of whether it’s owned by the city, Lyon County, Kansas or the federal government. Fireworks are also disallowed within 200 feet of hospital, medical facility, nursing home or school property lines.
Beemer is a 12-year veteran of the Emporia Fire Department after working in food distribution, retail and other services.
Beemer says his new role will let him continue working on inspections and, as he says, improving on the processes already established by Emporia Fire. He follows longtime Fire Marshal Reason Bradford, who recently retired after nearly 30 years with the department.
City of Emporia fireworks ordinance
Fireworks are allowed within the corporate limits of Emporia, between June 27th to July 5th from the hours of 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
On July 3rd and 4th they are allowed from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM in the City of Emporia.
🎆 No fireworks may be discharged in the streets.
🎆 No fireworks may be discharged in parks, the Emporia Golf Course, city parking lots or recreational fields, the Emporia Zoo, the Emporia Recreation Center, or the Jones Aquatic Center parking lot.
🎆 No fireworks may be discharged within 200 square feet of the property line of a hospital, a school, or nursing home.
🎆 No bottle rockets, sparklers with metal, or unmanned aerials.
Things to Remember:
🎆 Be respectful.
🎆 Monitor your children when around fireworks.
🎆 Have water or a hose nearby.
City of Emporia fireworks safety graphic
City of Emporia graphic.
