Fireworks Safety

Fireworkssafety2 Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer. The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home - period. We recommend attending public fireworks displays and leaving the lighting to the professionals. LDCFM wants the residents of Lawrence to experience their 4th of July in a fun and safe environment.

In Lawrence

Fireworkssafety1 City of Lawrence Ordinance No. 9636 states that the use, possession, handling and sale of fireworks are prohibited.

5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, use and handling of fireworks is prohibited. Exceptions: (1) The storage of fireworks is allowed as set forth in Section 5604. (2) The use of fireworks for display is allowed as set forth in Section 5608 For supervised public displays by a jurisdiction, fair association, amusement park, and other organization or for the use of fireworks by artisans in pursuit of their trade. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as applying to “Novelties” not classified as fireworks by the United States Department of Transportation. Novelties shall include Party Poppers, containing less than .25 grains of explosive composition, Snappers containing less the .02 grains of explosive composition, Toy Smoke Devices not classified as 1.4G, Snakes with no more than .07 oz. of pyrotechnic material and Toy Caps containing not more than .25 grains of explosive composition per cap.

In Douglas County

For the most current firework regulations in Douglas County, check out their websiteDgcoks.gov zoning and codes/fireworks rules and regulations

General Safety Information

  • Celebrate without the use of fireworks.
  • Select an appropriate non-combustible pad that is a safe distance from houses, structures and automobiles.
  • Discharging fireworks on public roads or rights-of-ways and in public parks is illegal. Fireworks shall not be ignited or discharged within 1,000 feet of any hospital or into, under or on a car whether moving or parked.
  • It is the responsibility of the users to clean up fireworks debris. Dispose of used casings in a bucket of water then prepare for trash the next day.
  • Fireworks prohibited in Kansas include:
    • Bottle rockets, fireworks that are mounted on a stick or wire and project into the air when ignited. Includes trough or pipe rockets. Excludes helicopter-type fireworks.
    • Homemade fireworks.
    • Any pyrotechnic that is not classified as a Class 1.4G fireworks (common fireworks) by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • Always purchase high quality fireworks from a licensed source.
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • Adults should always supervise use of fireworks by older children.
  • Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
  • Ignite only outdoors and make sure the area is sage for the use of fireworks.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated” shooter.
  • Always read and follow label instructions.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building or animal.
  • Have a source of water or a fire extinguisher available.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal, glass or plastic containers.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning fireworks.
  • When lighting fireworks, never position any part of your body over them.
  • Never carry fireworks in a clothes pocket.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
  • Do not aim or throw fireworks towards people, vehicles or animals.
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