Fireworks are a strong tradition on the Fourth of July, but, at least in the city of Lawrence, celebrants need to leave most of the pyrotechnics to someone else.

Since 2002, only novelty items such as party poppers, snappers, snakes and sparklers have been allowed inside the city limits. Firecrackers and other explosive items are banned. The ban was hotly debated at the time, but the threats that fireworks posed to safety and property, as well as the public peace, eventually won out. Fireworks are fun, but it seemed that, at least in isolated cases, the revelry was getting out of hand.

Enforcement of the fireworks ban has been inconsistent over the years, but a new emphasis on enforcement last year resulted in a sharp increase in citations. From 2008 to 2013, Lawrence police responded to an average of 204 fireworks calls and handed out three citations per year. In 2014, officers responded to 226 fireworks calls, but handed out 34 citations.

Whether you agree with the ban or not, it makes little sense to have it in place if it isn’t going to be enforced. Police Chief Tarik Khatib said this week officers will be out looking for fireworks violations and issuing citations. If you think those citations are no big deal, think again. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $200, and a second violation within one year can include a fine of $500 and up to six months in jail.

Local residents do, of course, have options. A full list of public fireworks displays was published in Wednesday’s Journal-World. The main event in Lawrence is the annual Lawrence Jaycees fireworks display scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Saturday on the river levee in North Lawrence. The annual Party in the Park from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. draws thousands of people to Buford Watson Park to hear music, enjoy food from the local Lawrence Originals restaurants and watch the fireworks. It’s a great community gathering.

If you just have to light a few firecrackers, fireworks are legal in most unincorporated parts of Douglas County — but not at Wells Overlook Park or Lone Star Lake or along any county road — during certain hours. Fireworks are allowed in the county until 10 tonight and from 7 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday (although, out of consideration for your neighbors, you might start a little later and stop a little earlier).

With the Fourth falling on Saturday this year, there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the nation’s birthday with family and friends. Whether you’re traveling or staying home, have a great time — and be safe.