FPD reminder on city fireworks ordinance

Every time we get into the month of June in Fishers, there is plenty of social media chatter about fireworks – is there a city ordinance, and if so, what does it say?

The Fishers Police Department issued a news release Monday with a reminder of the city fireworks ordinance and what it says. Here is the release and a copy of the actual ordinance:

Summer has officially arrived, and the warm evenings may seem ideal for the display of consumer fireworks. The City of Fishers has a local ordinance addressing the use of fireworks. It is highly recommended residents familiarize themselves with the specific types of fireworks as well as the dates and times in which fireworks can be displayed. The Fishers Police Department encourages the safe and lawful use of consumer fireworks. Voluntary compliance is appreciated; however, enforcement action may be taken for repeat and/or reckless violators.

§ 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.