Illegal firework violations can cost hundreds of dollars, jail time; police planning vigorous enforcement

Those looking to celebrate Independence Day with a bang may want to consider leaving the city limits if they want to avoid a hefty fine.

Fireworks have been banned in Lawrence since 2002, but that didn’t stop many Lawrence residents last year from hosting their own backyard fireworks shows. In 2014, Lawrence police received 226 fireworks calls and issued 34 citations for illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July week.

That citation number was up tenfold from previous years. In the weeklong period surrounding the holiday from 2008 to 2013, on average, Lawrence police responded to 204 fireworks calls and handed out three citations per year.

Those citations aren’t cheap, either, in some cases costing more than a speeding ticket. The first fireworks violation can yield a fine of up to $200. The second or subsequent violation within one year from the previous citation brings a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.

Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatib said that this year officers will be out in full force looking for illegal fireworks and issuing citations.

“We will have dedicated units to enforce what we can in the context of a normally very busy night,” Khatib said Wednesday.

Enforcement of city codes relies on both citizen reports of illegal fireworks to police dispatch and on patrol officers encountering illegal activity, Lawrence police spokeswoman Kim Murphree said.

“In either case, if the officer observes the illegal use of fireworks and can determine who the offenders are, the officer can issue a notice to appear (in court) and will seize and destroy any remaining illegal fireworks,” Murphree said.

For a legal celebration on July 4, check out the annual public fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. The display will be shot off from the Kansas River levee.

But if you can’t resist the urge to light up something on your own, the city allows the following novelty items:

  • Party poppers
  • Snappers
  • Snakes and glow worms
  • Sparklers (only allowed between June 27 and July 5)
  • Toy caps
  • Toy smoke devices