It's almost the Fourth of July and you've probably already been hearing lots of loud booms, but make sure you know your local fireworks laws before going out to buy those giant packs of firecrackers and boomers.
Below are some of the laws regarding when you can set off fireworks in parts of central Indiana.
Marion County
Fireworks can be used from:
5 p.m. until two hours after sunset June 28 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight on July 4
5 p.m. until two hours after sunset July 5 through July 9
Carmel
Fireworks can be used:
5 p.m. until midnight June 29 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight July 4
5 p.m. until midnight July 5 through July 9
Fishers
Fireworks can be used:
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight July 4
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset July 5 through July 9
Noblesville
Fireworks can be used:
5 p.m. until midnight July 2 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight July 4
5 p.m. until midnight July 5 through July 9
Greenwood
Fireworks can be used:
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 24 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight July 4
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset July 5 through July 11
Plainfield
Fireworks can be used:
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29 through July 3
10 a.m. to midnight July 4
5 p.m. to two hours after sunset July 5 through July 9
If your city or county isn't listed above, make sure you check with your local city government to find the laws for your area.
Below is some important information from the Department of Homeland Security
FIREWORK LAWS
Become more familiar with the state firework laws in Indiana. It is also important to check local ordinances for any firework limitations that might exist in the area:
- Throughout the year it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. Citizens should check with local officials.
- On state holidays it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight, but this may be limited further by local ordinances.
- The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance: June 29-July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight; July 5-July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; and December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older.
- Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the
SAFETY TIPS
Always remember the following safety tips when interacting with fireworks:
- Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.
- Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
- Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.
- Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
- Only light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework.
- Be considerate of individuals with PTSD and other types of medical conditions. The noise can cause severe stress and reaction in neighbors.
- Think about pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by firework sounds.
OTHER INFORMATION
The following firework statistics are taken from the Indiana State Department of Health’s 2017 Indiana Firework-Related Injury Report:
- In 2017, 77 percent of all reported firework injuries occurred from July1-7, and 39.5 percent of all firework injuries occurred on July 4.
- More than one-third of all reported firework-related injuries were to hands or fingers.
- Eye injuries accounted for 11.7 percent of the total number of injuries.
- 49 percent of the injuries were caused by firecrackers, rockets and sparklers.
- Firework use on private property accounted for 61.3 percent of reported cases.
