Fireworks Complaints Spark Reminder from Officials

After getting complaints about use of fireworks within the city of Paducah, officials are reminding everyone about laws restricting them.

Assistant Police Chief Anthony Copeland told West Kentucky Star that by Wednesday afternoon they had received 115 calls complaining about fireworks, which is the same number as last year, but it's not yet July 4.

Copeland said, "Shooting off fireworks in the city limits is a violation of a city ordinance, which would be something you would receive a warning or a citation for."

He said anything that goes into the air or anything with a loud bang is illegal. 

Copeland said, "Beyond that, and of great concern, is when people use some of these items to throw at each other or to shoot from vehicles or shoot houses. That's where it goes beyond a city ordinance, obviously, you could actually assault somebody. These are dangerous things, especially when you think of their explosive nature."

Last weekend, a vehicle caught fire in Paducah after someone reportedly threw a lit firework into a passing vehicle, causing fireworks inside the car to ignite. 

While it is legal to purchase fireworks in Paducah, the city's Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Greg Cherry said, “We want to remind the public that fireworks are not allowed to be discharged within the city limits for safety reasons due to the density of homes and structures in Paducah. Furthermore, it is illegal for minors to be in possession of fireworks.”

Regarding age limits, state law restricts use of aerial fireworks like bottle rockets, or audible ground devices such as firecrackers to those 18 or older. Also, fireworks are not to be used within 200 feet of any structure, motor vehicle, or other person.

“Even though ground and handheld sparkling devices are permitted in Paducah, please use caution and have adult supervision,” Cherry said.  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers burn at approximately 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.  

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2018 Fireworks Annual Report states that more than 19,500 fires are started each year by fireworks. 


Paducah Police released this list on Wednesday to remind everyone about classifications of fireworks:
 
According to Kentucky Revised Statutes, aerial devices include:
• Sky rockets and bottle rockets
• Missile-type rockets
• Helicopters or aerial spinners
• Roman candles
• Mines or shells
• Aerial shell kits with reloadable tubes 
 
 Audible ground devices include:
• Firecrackers and salutes
• Chasers 
 
Allowed fireworks include:
• Dipped stick-sparklers or wire sparklers
• Cylindrical fountains
• Cone fountains
• Illuminating torches
• Wheels
• Ground spinners
• Flitter sparklers
• Toy smoke devices