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Archive: June 2020

Firework Safety

Fourth of July Firework Safety

If you are planning to spend the holiday at home with your family and plan on using fireworks, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a safe experience.

While it is legal to buy and use fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, there are some areas where the use of fireworks outside any city limits is prohibited. This includes within six hundred feet (600') of any church, hospital, asylum, public school, or within two hundred feet (200') of where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale. 

No person shall ignite or discharge any permissible articles of fireworks within, or throw the fireworks from, a motor vehicle while therein, nor shall any person place or throw any ignited article of fireworks into or at a motor vehicle or at or near any person or group of people.

It shall also be unlawful to offer for retail sale or to sell any fireworks to children under twelve (12) years of age or to any person known to be intoxicated or irresponsible.  Fireworks may only be sold and used within the State of Arkansas from June 20th through July 10th and from December 10th through January 5th each year. Arkansas law (A.C.A. 20-22-711) does not specify or set the daily hours that fireworks may be used within those allowable date ranges; however, using fireworks outside of those dates constitutes a misdemeanor offense. 

The law also provides for a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both, for each offense.

If you live within the city limits of Pine Bluff, White Hall, Redfield, and any other city within Jefferson County, Arkansas then is it highly recommended that you contact the city police or city hall to learn about the city's regulations.

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when using fireworks:

  • Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.

  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.

  • Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

  • After fireworks have been ignited and discharged, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.