Fireworks Safety

Consumer fireworks may only be used or discharged within the city of Lafayette, Indiana on the following dates and times, as provided in IC 22-11-14-10.5:
  • Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 2 hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8 and July 9;
  • Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 midnight on July 4; and
  • Between the hours of 10 a.m. on December 31 and 1 a.m. on January 1.
Safety
  • Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks. Only adults should handle and light the fireworks. The fireworks are great family fun, but they burn very hot and are intended to be handled only by adults.
  • Please do not consume any alcohol while lighting or handling fireworks. Fireworks must be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others.
  • Read all directions, cautions, labels, and warnings on each individual firework item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with it. If your state has shooters' sites, use them. Use only those fireworks permitted under the laws of the state and local jurisdiction in which you are using the fireworks.
  • Always light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to insure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable for any item intended to be used in an upright position. (If lighting fireworks on grass, lay down a flat wooden board for a shooting surface.)
  • Always keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site. Always light your fireworks in a clear open area away from buildings, vehicles, and shrubbery. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended. You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire or near any flammable items. Never use fireworks indoors. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far from the firework item as possible when lighting.
  • Always light fireworks products with punk, a flare or an extended butane lighting device. This will enable you to keep as far from the firework item as possible. If needed, use a flashlight at night so the fuse can be easily seen; never use a lantern or other flame producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the fireworks product and get away quickly. Respect the fireworks, because if used improperly, they can be dangerous.
  • Light only 1 firework item at a time.
  • Never attempt to re light, alter, or fix any "dud" firework item. If a firework item fails to ignite, let it stand for at least 5 minutes, then immerse it in water. Dispose of the item properly.
  • Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. During any fireworks shoot, there should always be 1 individual assigned as the fireman, whose sole job is to be alert and at the ready with a water source.
  • Never smoke when handling fireworks.
  • Never aim, point, or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.
  • Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.
  • Never use fireworks indoors; only use them outdoors under safe conditions.
  • Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Licensed and reliable dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; do not make your own fireworks.
  • Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.
  • The noise and lights of fireworks often frighten some animals, so it is very important that you are careful with pets and farm animals. You may want to consider moving the animals away or keeping them inside during your display. Please be considerate of your pets and animals when using fireworks.
  • Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Laws in Indiana
  • Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.
  • Fireworks may be used only on the user's property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.
    • Special discharge location - a place designated for the discharge of consumer fireworks under temporary policies of the Division of Fire and Building Safety in effect until the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission adopts rules
  • Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person's death.
  • Use or Discharge of Consumer Fireworks Prohibited Except on Certain Dates and Times. Consumer fireworks may only be used or discharged within the city of Lafayette, Indiana on the following dates and times, as provided in IC 22-11-14-10.5:
    • Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 2 hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8 and July 9;
    • Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 midnight on July 4; and
    • Between the hours of 10 a.m. on December 31 and 1 a.m. on January 1.
  • Seizure and Forfeiture of Consumer Fireworks. Enforcement personnel from the Lafayette Fire Department or the Lafayette Police Department may seize and dispose of consumer fireworks that are used in violation of this chapter.
  • Penalty. In addition to the seizure and disposition of consumer fireworks that are used in violation of this chapter, whoever violates any provision of this chapter shall be fined not more than $250. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day that a violation occurs or continues.
Facts
  • In 2007, 9,800 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.
  • The highest injury rates were for children aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 14.
  • In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were started by fireworks. These resulted in 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
  • 49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations.
  • Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 36% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.
  • Fireworks and sparklers are designed to explode or throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1,200°F.
  • Sparklers burn at 1,200 °F. Glass melts at 900 °F. Wood burns at 575 °F. Cakes bake at 350 °F. Water boils at 212 °F.