Police: Some fireworks allowed on July 3 and 4

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

— With the Fourth of July Holiday just around the corner, police chief Terry Luker would like to remind residents of Decatur’s fireworks laws.

According to the city ordinance, passed in June 2008, ground fireworks may be discharged on private property from noon until 10 p.m. on July 3, and from noon until midnight on July 4.

Bottle rockets, skyrockets, roman candles or any other fireworks “that are mounted to and flies on a stick” may notbe discharged in Decatur at any time.

The ordinance provides the fire chief with the authority to prohibit the use of fireworks on July 3 and 4 if weather conditions make it necessary.

During the rest of the year, it is against the law to sell, posses or engage in shooting fireworks or set off any other explosives inside the city limits - unless the fire chief issues a permit for an organized display and a $100 fee is paid. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, the ordinance states.

News, Pages 2 on 06/23/2010