Friday, June 29, 2012

Hot and dry conditions have forced some Kansas communities to ban the use of fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday. The following Kansas cities and counties have banned fireworks because of safety and fire concerns:

While fireworks remain legal in Wichita and Sedgwick County, local fire and city officials urge residents to take precautions and follow local laws when shooting fireworks in this hot, windy weather. In Wichita, fireworks may be lawfully sold between June 27 through July 5 and legal shooting times for fireworks are from 6 a.m. until midnight. Residents are warned to buy only legal fireworks sold in the area where they will be used.

Residents are encouraged to follow these safety tips:

Those caught using illegal fireworks will be issued citations and their fireworks will be confiscated. Citations will result in a mandatory court appearance, a fine and possible jail time. Those convicted face up to $2,500 in fines and up to a year in jail.

Sedgwick County residents are reminded to contact their local municipality with questions about fireworks or to report nuisances. Do not call 911 to report nuisance violations.