Independence Day is a time of celebration, fireworks and responsibility

Brianne Heidbreder
| Specially for The Capital-Journal

Fireworks are an important part of the Independence Day celebration in the United States. They entertain us with their power and beauty, while symbolizing our national pride.

However, the sale and use of fireworks are 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. But just because you can buy them doesn’t mean you can set them off. Kansas gives local authorities the authority to regulate the use of consumer fireworks.

So we hope you’ll check your local ordinances before setting off your supply of smoke bombs, sparklers, and fireworks during the week of July 4th.

The regulation of fireworks is not arbitrary. Municipal and provincial officials may be driven by a variety of factors in determining their own regulations.

The primary reason for regulating fireworks is public safety. Many types of fireworks, no matter how beautiful, are explosive. They can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured in fireworks accidents each year.

To prevent injuries, officials in some local governments have banned consumer fireworks entirely. Others have chosen to strictly regulate the types that are allowed. Lawrence, for example, is a “fireworks-free” city, allowing only items such as party poppers, snappers, snakes, sparklers, toy caps, and toy smoke devices.

Another important aspect of fireworks regulation is preventing fires and property damage. Fireworks can be a fire hazard, especially in dry areas.

To limit potential fire and property damage from fireworks, regulations may require safe distances from buildings and flammable materials, or may even prohibit their use during droughts. For example, Manhattan does not allow fireworks within 100 feet of fireworks stands.

Concerns about property damage and fire are also the reason many local governments ban the use of lanterns, as they can land on property while burning.

Environmental considerations can also play a role in fireworks regulation. Fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute air, water and soil. They leave behind waste, some of which is non-biodegradable.

Another type of pollution that comes with fireworks is noise pollution. Fireworks can be loud and can be a nuisance to residents, especially in densely populated areas. The loud explosions can be stressful for people. This is especially true for people with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

To limit the effects of noise pollution, cities and counties have regulated the hours of the day during which fireworks may be used. Shawnee County, for example, allows fireworks to be set off between 8 a.m. and midnight in unconnected areas.

While fireworks are an important part of the Fourth of July celebration, it is imperative that governments at the state and local level regulate fireworks to protect public health, safety, and property and to limit disruptions.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD, is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

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Independence Day is a time of celebration, fireworks and responsibility

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