Fireworks enthusiasts, your time is near.
The annual window for the sale and discharge of fireworks in the Emporia city limits begins Wednesday and ends July 5. Fire Marshal Reason Bradford says fireworks can be bought and set off between 10 am and 10 pm from Wednesday to July 2 and again July 5. For July 3-4, the legal hours are 10 am to 11 pm.
On KVOE’s Morning Show this week, Bradford said there are penalties for not following the local ordinance on touching off fireworks.
Bradford says eight vendors have already signed up, and inspections — both in and out of the Emporia city limits — are focused on several things.
Bradford stressed safety with fireworks, which can lead to serious injuries or death if not properly handled. That includes shooting in an open area, closely supervising children and not drinking alcohol before starting up the fireworks. Bradford says fireworks can’t be shot off in streets, alleys, parks, any government-owned area or schools. Fireworks also can’t be shot within 200 feet of a hospital or senior care facility.
Bradford also encouraged residents to be mindful of neighbors and pets, because animals don’t handle fireworks well.
The city’s fireworks display will be July 4 at on the north side of the Emporia State campus. Police Sgt. Lisa Sage will have more details on KVOE’s Monday morning Newsmaker segment at 7:15 am.
