THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012
PAGE 11
SAFETY
Heat, laws complicate firework use
ROYA IBRAHIMI editor@kansan.com
As Fourth of July approaches, many are shopping for fireworks in preparation for the celebration. With the extreme weather patterns that Kansas is facing, the safety and health of individuals and families will be a concern.
James King, division chief fire marshal for the Lawrence Fire Department, expressed several concerns for this year's summer holiday dealing with fireworks.
"With the given weather conditions, I think it would be good for people to pay attention to the heat for health reasons and where they decide to shoot fireworks," King said. "People need to make sure they are hydrated."
With the heat averaging in the mid 90s, many need to understand that the surroundings they plan to shoot fireworks in can't be dry.
"When shooting fireworks, the area should be wet," King said. "If it's not, you should wet it down and make sure to have an extinguisher or bucket of water with you to extinguish the possible fire."
This may seem unusual for some and not a "common" safety rule, but Kelsey Kempke, a senior from Ellsworth, says this rule is nothing new to her.
"Growing up in central Kansas this time of year, it was always dry, and there were always wind and heat advisors," Kempke said. "My parents would start watering the grass the week of Fourth of July every morning or every night and the morning of Fourth of July."
With wind and heat advisories combined, this creates a greater chance for a fast-spreading fire, especially during celebrations with newly lit fireworks.
King said that there are only a few fireworks that are allowed in the city and several illegal in the state of Kansas.
"Novelties can be used anywhere, but away from structures," King said. "Novelties include party poppers, snappers, snakes/glow worms, sparklers and toy caps."
These novelties can be used anytime during the day or week of Fourth of July. Other fireworks, like Roman candles, can be shot off in unincorporated
places at specific times, although there are specific fireworks that are banned by the state that cannot be shot off otherwise. Non-novelty fireworks are not permitted in the City of Lawrence at any time.
"Within the state, items such as bottle rockets and sky rockets are prohibited by state statute," King said. "It is prohibited in Kansas, all of Kansas. This includes the unincorporated places."
For some consumers, the fact that they can get their hands on something illegal sends an adrenaline rush. Colin Wright, a senior from Wellsville, says he goes to Missouri to purchase bottle rockets for two reasons.
With adrenaline rushing for celebrations arriving in a few days, keep in mind the safety issues that arise with this summers' heat advisory that effect health and surroundings.
"Part of it is because they're illegal; the other part is because they fly far and explode," Wright said.
For more information on laws and laws on safety, check out www.law-rencesks.org/firemedical/
Edited by Maegan Mathiasmeier
Fireworks rules
What is and is not allowed in Lawrence and Douglas County :
Monday, July 2:
- All fireworks permitted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in unincorporated areas except Lawrence
- All fireworks permitted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in unincorporated areas except Lawrence.
- Novelties like party poppers, snappers, snakes/glow worms, sparklers, toy caps and toy smoke devices permitted at all times.
Tuesday, July 3:
- Novelties permitted at all times.
Wednesday, July 4:
- All fireworks permitted from 7 a.m. to midnight in unincorporated areas except Lawrence.
- Novelties permitted at all times.
After July 4:
- Novelties permitted at all times.
Fireworks are not permitted at any time in the City of Lawrence.
Source: Douglas County website, City of Lawrence website
--Rove Ibrahimi--
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
Small fireworks such as "Pop-Its" are one of the few Fourth of July traditions allowed in Lawrence during this holiday. One of the tents of fireworks for sale in Lawrence can be found along the curve of 31st and Kasold.