It's Illegal To Use, Buy Or Sell Fireworks In Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City OK

26 June, 2020

12:41 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City: June 25, 2020 Remember that it's illegal to use, buy or sell fireworks in Oklahoma City limits as you make plans for Independence Day celebrations. Sparklers, snakes, bottle rockets and all other popular fireworks are included in the ban. It applies to all private and public property in Oklahoma City, including parks, lakes and areas along the Oklahoma River. "Our investigators and police officers respond to fireworks violations all night every Fourth of July, but the reality is we can't respond to them all because we're swamped with those calls every year," said Fire Chief Richard Kelley. "That's why we're asking people now to be responsible. It's not only about the obvious danger of explosions and fires around you and your family when using them. It's people with mental illnesses like PTSD – particularly military veterans around our community – and nervous pets and others who suffer." The Fire Department typically issues permits for professional, public fireworks displays at the OKC Fairgrounds, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Frontier City, the Boathouse District and other locations. But organizers have canceled those displays because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so there are no public fireworks in Oklahoma City this year. A violation of the City's fireworks ordinances is punishable by a fine of $177, confiscation of the fireworks and a possible jail sentence. This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author's own.