Fireworks

The Fourth of July & New Year's Eve traditionally present a great fire danger to citizens. Nationally, fireworks are the cause of a great number of fires and burn injuries. More than $36 million in property is damaged each year across the nation due to fireworks. Most fireworks burn injuries involve children. These are usually burns to the hands and eyes causing vision impairment and disfiguring scars. Some people think that just because some fireworks are legal in parts of Arkansas, they are more safe. The largest share of fireworks injuries are caused by "Class C" or "Consumer" fireworks, the kind that are legal for sale & purchase in our area. Sparklers are the biggest danger to children. A tip temperature at the end of the sparkler reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily cause a burn. Safety Tips If you do choose to include fireworks in your Fourth of July or New Year's Eve celebrations, the Maumelle Fire Department offers the following safety tips:   - Always read and follow label directions. - Have an adult present. - Buy from reliable sellers. - Use outdoors only. - Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket). - Never experiment or make your own fireworks. - Light only one firework at a time. - Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water). - Never give fireworks to small children. - If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place. - Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water & then disposing of them in a trash can. - Never throw or point fireworks at other people. - Never carry fireworks in your pocket. - Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. - Shooters should always wear eye protection & never have any body part over the firework. - Stay away from illegal explosives. Maumelle City Code: Fireworks Sec. 26-71. Definitions.    The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.    Fireworks means any device for producing a striking display of light, noise or smoke by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions, including but not limited to firecrackers, torpedoes, Roman candles, bottle rockets, sparklers and similar devices. (Ord. No. 40, § 2, 6-16-1986) Sec. 26-72. Penalty for violation of article.    Any violator of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction the violator will be punished by a fine of no more than $100.00, plus court costs. (Ord. No. 40, § 3, 6-16-1986) Sec. 26-73. Discharge, sale restricted.    Pursuant to the authority of its police powers for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, the city prohibits the discharge or sale of fireworks within the city. Except as authorized by law or as excepted in section 26-74, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or to sell any fireworks within the city.    At no time shall any person discharge fireworks in, on, or from any property zoned or used as a commercial or industrial zone or use.    At no time shall any person discharge fireworks in, on, or from any public property, including but not limited, to city parks, sidewalks, public (paved) roadways, or parking lots to any public facility such as a school or city building. (Ord. No. 40, § 1, 6-16-1986, Ord. No. 788, 11-21-2011) Sec. 26-74. Discharge permitted.    Excepted from the provisions of this article is the discharge of any fireworks at a public fireworks show or event open to the general public, which is supervised and coordinated by a person over 19 years of age, who is qualified by knowledge and experience in the safe handling and storage of fireworks. The show or event must be approved in writing by the Chief of the Maumelle Fire Department and the Chief of the Maumelle Police Department at least 14 days prior to the show or event. Also excepted from the provisions of this article is the discharge of any fireworks between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on July 4 of each year, upon private property from which discharge is not prohibited, provided that any fireworks discharged under this exception shall not be discharged by any person in or around any group of 25 or more people and shall not be discharged in, on, or from any public, commercial, or industrial property, including but not limited to parking lots, parks, fields, sidewalks, and public roadways. (Ord. No. 40, § 4, 6-16-1986; Ord. No. 554, § 1, 4-4-2005, Ord. No. 788, 11-21-2011)