With summer getting into swing and summer events piling up, the Francesville Police Department recently shared a reminder to citizens of Indiana’s fireworks laws.
Under Indiana law, a person must be 18 years or older to purchase fireworks, and anyone under 18 using or purchasing fireworks must be accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years old. Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property, the property of someone who granted permission for fireworks to be discharged, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks. Fireworks may only be discharged between the hours of 9am and 11pm any day except Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve, when the times are 9am to midnight.
Local ordinances may further restrict the use of fireworks, and Indiana residents are urged to check with local officials regarding any local ordinances on firework usage.
The Indiana fireworks law goes on to say that a person who violates this law can be charged with a class “C” infraction at the least. If a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks and the violation causes property damage, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. If there is bodily injury the charge is enhanced to a Level 6 felony, and if there is a death it is a Level 5 felony.
Citizens are urged to take proper safety precautions when enjoying fireworks, such as always using them outdoors and in a clear area, never lighting them while they are in your hands, maintaining a safe perimeter around the fireworks, light them one at a time, and wear protective eyewear. Have water or a hose on hand in case of a fire, and don’t wear loose-fitting clothing or use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
