Wichita police cracking down on illegal fireworks on 4th of July

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Abbie Angelo and her family are spending the fourth shooting off firecrackers and smoke bombs in their driveway.

“I like the fountains and the smoke balls and the snappers the best." says Angelo.

Like many Wichitans, they’ll be heading out to watch the community fireworks.

“I think it’s just a good way for us to get together and have some time together and do something we don’t normally get to do," says Tom Angelo.

Fireworks being a staple of the fourth, the city of Wichita is out to make sure you’re using them wisely.

That’s why teams from the Fire Department and also Wichita PD are out patrolling the streets, in search of people shooting off illegal ones.

“We’re gonna be out in force tonight and we just ask people to follow the ordinance.”

The city bans all fireworks that shoot higher than 6 feet, and people are urged to only shoot them in the city you buy them.

Fire Marshal Stu Bevis says if you’re caught, you could be looking at a $250 ticket.

“Last night we wrote just under 50 tickets," said Bevis.

Angelo and his family say they're staying safe this fourth of July. 

If you have complaints about fireworks don't call 911.

Sedgwick County's non-emergency line will open Wednesday night at 6 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

The number is 316-290-1011.  

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