Fireworks Regulatory Policy

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER
Kansas Insight

Fireworks are an important part of Independence Day celebrations in the United States. They entertain us with their power and beauty while symbolizing our national pride. However, the sale and use of fireworks is strictly regulated by state and local governments.

Consumer fireworks are legal to buy in 49 of the 50 states. In fact, only Massachusetts bans the sale of all fireworks at the state level. However, just because you can buy them doesn’t mean you can set them off. Kansas gives local governments the authority to regulate the use of consumer fireworks.

So before you start setting off a stockpile of smoke bombs, sparklers, and rockets this Fourth of July week, you might want to check your local ordinances.

Fireworks regulation is not arbitrary. City and county authorities may consider several factors when establishing their own regulations.

The most important reason for regulating fireworks is public safety. Many types of fireworks, while beautiful, are explosive. They can cause serious injury if not handled carefully. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured each year in fireworks-related accidents.

To prevent injuries, officials in some local governments have banned consumer fireworks altogether. Others have chosen to impose strict regulations on the types that are allowed. Lawrence, for example, is a “fireworks-free” city, allowing only items such as sparklers, snappers, hoses, sparklers, bottle caps and smoke machines.

Another critical aspect of fireworks regulation is preventing fires and property damage. Fireworks can be a fire hazard, especially in dry areas. To mitigate the potential fires and property damage caused by fireworks, regulations can mandate a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials, or even prohibit their use during droughts. For example, Manhattan KS does not allow fireworks to be set off within 100 feet of a fireworks stand.

Concerns about the risk of property damage and fire are another reason many local governments ban the use of lanterns, as they can land on a property and continue to burn.

Environmental concerns may also play a role in regulating fireworks. Fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals that can contaminate air, water and soil. They leave behind pollutants, some of which are not biodegradable.

Another type of pollution that comes with fireworks is noise. Fireworks can be loud, causing disruption to residents, especially in densely populated areas. The loud explosions can be disturbing to people. This is especially true for people with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To mitigate the effects of noise pollution, cities and counties regulate the hours when fireworks can be used. For example, Shawnee County allows fireworks to be fired between 8 a.m. and midnight in non-union areas.

While fireworks are a respected part of Fourth of July celebrations, regulation of fireworks by state and local governments is necessary to protect public health, safety and property and to mitigate disruptions.