Lots of people are getting ready to celebrate our nation's independence this weekend. For many, July 4th wouldn't be complete without fireworks. But fire investigators warn people to celebrate safely.

We go through this every year, it seems. Fortunately, this year, we don't have to deal with serious dry conditions, but fireworks burn extremely hot and can light up just about anything whether it's wet or not. The Wichita Fire Department is out this weekend on patrols to remind people what is legal and what is not.

Fire crews have already responded to several serious fires in the city that were the result of fireworks. Just today, a grass fire spread to a front porch of a home and burned a wheelchair ramp. And a home in Southeast Wichita burned down in what investigators believe was the result of a bottle rocket.

"I understand you want to shoot off fireworks and celebrate the 4th of July. We appreciate that," said WFD Captain Stuart Bevis. "But the city has decided that only certain things are legal."

And, of course, we've all heard the familiar phrase 'Shoot 'em where you buy 'em.'

"The fire department has tested these things," Bevis says. "Vendors that sell inside the city limits have brought their products to us, so we know the ones that aren't going to be overtly dangerous... ones that don't fly more than 6 feet in any direction."

The fire department simply asks that if you go to cities such as Andover or Goddard to buy fireworks, find a safe and legal place there to shoot them. Otherwise, you risk damaging somebody's property or worse, hurting someone.

"Just like a bullet in a gun, once it's out you can't stop it," Bevis explained. "You can't bring it back. When you shoot that bottle rocket, you have no idea whether it's going to go in a nice patch of dirt or onto the neighbor's shake shingle roof."

For those who get caught, you will be issued a ticket, your fireworks will be confiscated, and you will be ordered to appear in court in front of a judge. Bevis says he's heard of judges fining people more than $500.

"I think the key issue is for people to celebrate, but celebrate safely so we can get out of this with all our fingers and toes and houses and yards and everything else."