Fireworks sales kicked off in Wyandotte County Wednesday, and with it, discussion of a possible ban.
"I've heard rumors but not official decision," said Kelly Littlefield, the KCK fire inspector.
The KCK Fire Department said the conditions are as dry as they were in 2012. They considered a ban that year but opted to allow fireworks. They had nearly 100 fires in the county that July 4 and 5, many they believe could have been fireworks related.
"It's almost equally as dry, and with the high heat and very little humid in the air, fires spread very quickly," said Littlefield.
The fire inspector said even the smaller fireworks can be very dangerous around the dry grass.
"Sparklers, firecrackers, even smoke balls, they have a little bit of spark to them," she said.
And even with rain in the forecast, Littlefield said we would need a lot of it to drastically improve the dry conditions and make it safer for fireworks.
"Yesterday it rained, what? Fifteen minutes. Look at the ground now. It's cracked. Not enough rain," she said.
So how do you light fireworks safely?
It's prohibited to light fireworks on sidewalks and in streets in KCK, so only light them in your driveway. And always have water readily available.
"Wet the grass before you even get started. It's good to do that. Water your grass early in the morning and water late in the evening. Keep your grass nice and moist and that will keep your grass from catching on fire," said Littlefield.
Other fireworks safety tips include:
- Always follow label instructions.
- Have an adult present.
- Buy from reliable, licensed sellers.
- Use outdoors only.
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time.
- Never relight a dud (wait 15 to 20 minutes and soak in water).
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people or vehicles.
- Never shoot fireworks in containers or from your pocket.
In KCK/Wyandotte County:
- It is against the law to shoot fireworks on the street, alley or public sidewalk or in any building.
- Fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of any location where location where fireworks are sold or stored.
- It is against the law to discharge any illegal fireworks - those items listed in the ordinance that are banned from sale or discharged in KCK/Wyandotte County, e.g., bottle rockets, rockets or fins, sky lanterns.
- Fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 through July 4. There are no exceptions because of weather.
To find out if fireworks are legal where you live, check out our updated quick guide to help you navigate straight to your city's info here.
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Josh Helmuth can be reached at josh.helmuth@kshb.com
