Its been a dry month around the state and with the dried vegetation, wildfires can easily be started with the smallest spark. Some of these wildfires can get out of control. This has been a cause for concern with the upcoming holiday and over a third of the state is under a burn ban. There are 92 counties in Indiana and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security currently has 83 counties under a burn ban as of 5AM this morning.
When burns bans are issued, burning leaves, branches & trash, campfires, bonfires, and throwing cigarettes, are are all prohibited. Burn bans are supposed to prohibit fireworks but with the upcoming holiday, this is beyond control. Its the 4th of July and people will light the sky up. Don't fear though, State law permits fireworks for the holiday but there are certain times to light up.
Below is outline of Indiana Code 22-11-14-10.5 on fireworks.
"Use" defined; adoption of ordinance by county or municipality concerning use of consumer fireworks
Sec. 10.5. (a) As used in this section, the term "use" means the ability of a county or municipality to regulate the days and hours when consumer fireworks may be used, ignited, or discharged.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter:
(1) a county may adopt an ordinance concerning the use of consumer fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county; and
(2) a municipality may adopt an ordinance concerning the use of consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the municipality.
(c) An ordinance adopted under this section:
(1) may limit the use of consumer fireworks in the county or municipality;
(2) may not be more lenient than a rule adopted by a state agency concerning the use of fireworks; and
(3) may not limit the use of consumer fireworks:
(A) between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two (2) hours after sunset on June 29,
June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, and July 9;
(B) between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and
(C) between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
According to this law this means June 29-July 9th, fireworks will be permitted to be used at the appropriate times but I would like to note a few of my own safety tips you may want to follow this year.
(1)NEVER use fireworks indoors, only outdoors atleast 15 feet away from any structure (which more than likely will be your house).
(2)If your drunk, keep your paws off the fireworks. People can get hurt.
(3)Stay away from the grass. Use the sidewalk, driveway or any concrete surface to light your fireworks.
(4) Do not point fireworks towards a person, to help prevent injuries or deaths.
(5) Do not point fireworks towards trees, bushes, flowers, or shrubs. With dried vegetation these will easily catch fire.
(6) Keep fire extinguisher and water nearby to extinguish small fires. Do not attempt to combat a large fire that can spread out of control. Leave the area immediately and call your local fire department.
(7)Do NOT leave children ages 12 & under unattended with fireworks.
(8) Clean up your mess when your done. Help insure the streets stay clean and safe. Keep a vigilante eye. If you see anything unsafe, be sure to point it out or call your local law enforcement agencies if its beyond your control.
(9) Lets make Safety your #1 priority.
(10) HAVE FUN YOU ALL!
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