Legal and Safety Reminders for Fireworks Users
Ada, MN — As much of a staple fireworks are during our 4th of July celebrations, this is your annual reminder that almost all of them are not legal in the state of Minnesota. Essentially anything that explodes or goes in the air, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, and other consume grade fireworks is not allowed for personal use in Minnesota. However, novelty items such as sparklers, snakes, and smoke bombs are allowed. Despite the laws, most area law enforcement will admit to looking the other way as long as they are not becoming a nuisance to others. Ada Interim Police Chief Steve Hagar says if they get a complaint, they will come investigate and shut down the display.
Across the river in North Dakota, all consumer fireworks, with the exception of bottle rockets, are legal to purchase and use. But safety measures must still be followed. Great Plains Fireworks owner Keith Meyer recommends that especially with the larger fireworks to make sure they are properly secured and won’t tip over.
According to Safe Kids Grand Forks, Fireworks cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year. Fireworks cause an average of almost 20,000 reported fires per year. They recommend you leave the fireworks to the professionals, but IF you are going to use them, please advise the following:
-Make sure children are ALWAYS supervised when using any kind of fireworks.
-Make sure you have a bucket of water or a garden hose to extinguish in case of a fire.
-Never try to relight a firework that doesn’t light right away.
-Make sure nothing flammable is nearby such as a tank of gas for a lawnmower or any other flammable materials.
-Account for the wind when lighting off fireworks.