Fishers Police Reminder: City Fireworks Ordinance

We are headed into the month of June, and the Fishers Police Department has an important message for those living and visiting our fair city – be aware of provisions contained in the city fireworks ordinance.

The ordinance provides important definitions of which fireworks are allowed, and when certain fireworks may be used.

I am already hearing fireworks in my neighborhood at night and I do not believe I am alone. Below is a reprint of the specific Fishers city ordinance on fireworks:

§ 99.01 DEFINITION OF CONSUMER FIREWORK.

For purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

CONSUMER FIREWORK.

(1) A small firework that is designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion and that is required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1507. The term also includes some small devices designed to produce an audible effect, such as whistling devices, ground devices containing 50 milligrams or less of explosive composition, and aerial devices containing 130 milligrams or less of explosive composition. Propelling or expelling charges consisting of a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate are not considered as designed to produce an audible effect. CONSUMER FIREWORK includes but may not be limited to the following:

(a) Aerial devices, which include sky rockets, missile type rockets, helicopter or aerial spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells;

(b) Ground audible devices, which include firecrackers, salutes, and chasers; and

(1) The following items are specifically excluded from the definition of CONSUMER FIREWORK:

(a) Model rockets;

(b) Toy pistol caps;

(d) Matches;

(e) Fixed ammunition for firearms;

(f) Ammunition components intended for use in firearms, muzzle loading cannons, or small arms;

(g) Shells, cartridges, and primers for use in firearms, muzzle loading cannons, or small arms;

(h) Indoor pyrotechnics special effects material; or

(i) M-80s, cherry bombs, silver salutes, and any device banned by the federal government.

(3) In addition, the following items are excluded from the definition of CONSUMER FIREWORKS but are and shall continue to be subject to applicable permitting requirements and state statutes governing fireworks:

(a) Dipped sticks or wire sparklers;

(b) Cylindrical fountains;

(d) Illuminating torches;

(e) Wheels;

(f) Ground spinners;

(g) Flitter sparklers;

(h) Snakes or glow worms;

(i) Smoke devices; and

(j) Trick noisemakers, which include:

1. Party poppers;

2. Booby traps;

3. Snappers;

4. Trick matches;

5. Cigarette loads; and

6. Auto burglar alarms.