Fireworks safety and regulations according to Sioux Falls officials

As the Fourth of July approaches and fireworks sales begin in South Dakota on Thursday, Sioux Falls fire and police officials provided recommendations for staying safe when setting off fireworks during a media briefing Wednesday morning.

If Sioux Falls residents plan to set off fireworks, they should supervise children at all times and keep pets away, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Department Chief Steve Fessler said during a media briefing. In case of emergency, call 911.

Fessler said that in South Dakota, fireworks sales run from June 27 to July 5. The City of Sioux Falls prohibits any fireworks containing projectiles, firing devices or loud noises within city limits.

“The easiest way to say it is if it makes a sound or moves, it’s prohibited,” Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens said during the briefing. “What you’re limited to are smoke bombs, sparklers, maybe some little fountains.”

Clemens said there is a risk that people setting off prohibited fireworks within city limits could receive a $107.50 ticket.

People traveling outside city limits to set off fireworks should remember to pick up their fireworks later, as police have received complaints in past years from people living outside Sioux Falls, Clemens said.

Fessler also asked Sioux Falls residents to “be good neighbors and clean up after each other.” He recommended cooling fireworks in a bucket of water for a day before throwing them away.

One way to keep everyone safe is to attend one of Sioux Falls’ professional fireworks displays, Fessler said.