The Marshall Police Department wants residents to be safe and know the city ordinance regarding fireworks.

Summer is upon us and so are the traditions of outdoor gatherings including the celebration of the nation’s Independence Day on the Fourth of July.

Authorities say while fireworks are commonly used during summer festivities, they can quickly turn celebrations into a tragedy if they aren’t handled properly.

The Marshall Police Department urges residents when celebrating with fireworks, it is imperative to do so with safety in mind. Sparklers, a common firework purchased for children, can reach 1800 degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold.

The Police Department offers several tips to keep everyone safe.

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Adults should always supervise fireworks activities.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, flammable materials and dry leaves and grass.
• Light one item at a time and then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or light them in or near metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Most importantly – if fireworks fizzle and don’t ignite, douse them with water and do not relight them!

Section 203.330
Permitted Use.
[CC 1985 § 12.52.1; Ord. No. 7791 § 1, 12-17-2007; Ord. No. 8518, 12-16-2019]
A.
On July 4 of each year, from 10 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and from 10 a.m. on December 31 of each year, to 12:30 a.m. on January 1 subject to the limitations contained herein, it shall be lawful for any person to use and discharge consumer fireworks. As used herein, the term “consumer fireworks” means any explosive devices designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion and includes aerial devices and ground devices, all of which are classified as fireworks, UNO336, within 49 CFR, 172. The following uses of consumer fireworks shall be prohibited:
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or possess any fireworks upon public land or in any public park, owned by the City; provided, however, that nothing in this Article shall be deemed to limit the authority of the City to allow an event display of display fireworks;
2. It shall be unlawful to ignite, explode, or discharge consumer fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, mental health facility, or school;
3. It shall be unlawful to ignite, explode, or discharge consumer fireworks within three hundred 300 feet of any permanent storage of ignitable liquid, gases, gasoline pump, and gasoline filling station; and
4. It shall be unlawful to ignite, explode, or discharge within or throw the same from or into a motorized vehicle including watercraft or any other means of transportation or at or near any person or group of people.