10 hours ago
Looking to set off fireworks on the 4th of July? Here's what you need to know
The Logansport Parks & Recreation Department would prefer visitors let the city take care of the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
A week ahead of the celebrations, signs have been posted at every park in town letting people know personal fireworks (and pets) will be prohibited.
If anyone fails to follow the rules, parks administrator Jan Fawley explained, they'll first be asked to stop. If they refuse, they'll be asked to leave by either a parks department employee or one of the police officers that will be present in Riverside Park.
Next year, the penalty could be a bit more serious.
An ordinance is in the works that would allow park employees to fine anyone who sets off fireworks within a set radius of the parks.
Initially, the ordinance was meant to be passed in time to affect this year's celebration. It hit a few snags, though, as officials were concerned whether neighbors to Riverside Park should be included in the ban. There also wasn't enough time to notify the public prior to this year's celebration.
Current Logansport ordinance allows people to begin setting off fireworks on June 29. If you're looking forward to setting off fireworks outside the parks, here's what you need to know:
Logansport fireworks laws
• City ordinance limits consumer fireworks use to the time period from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset from June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. Fireworks are also permitted 10 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
• Fireworks may be used from 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.
• Using fireworks outside those time periods may result in a fine of $100 under the city ordinance.
• According to state law, fireworks can only be used on the user's property, the property of someone who granted permission for fireworks to be discharged or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal.
• Someone 18 or older must be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing fireworks.
• Only people 18 and older can buy fireworks, per state law.
Outside city limits:
• Areas are subject to fireworks time limits outlined by the state. Under state law, fireworks may only be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year's Eve. The time limits don't apply to those four holidays.
