Holiday hours take effect for fireworks displays

Tonight is the first night of changes to state-mandated hours that fireworks can be fired off around the Fourth of July holiday, according to the Indiana fire marshall.

On June 29th through July 3rd and then on July 5th through July 9th, fireworks are only allowed between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset. That would be 11:14 tonight.

On holidays, including the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day, fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m. until midnight.

Outside of the holidays and the surrounding days, fireworks are allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. While municipalities are not allowed to alter the hours around and on holidays, cities and towns can choose to limit these hours.

The fire marshal’s office says that fireworks are only allowed on your own property, on property where you have permission to fire off fireworks, or on specially designated fireworks spaces in the community.

Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Columbus Fire Department, urges caution with fireworks and says the safest place to watch fireworks is at a professional fireworks display. Wilson also said that you can be held liable for any damage to other people’s property that your fireworks cause.

Wilson also said that while fireworks are legal, it is always a good idea to keep your neighbors informed of your fireworks plans.