Fireworks: What is Legal and How to Avoid Injuries

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Public Service Announcement provided by the Bellevue Fire Department

With the 4^th of July right around the corner, we would like to provide some safety tips to ensure everyone has an enjoyable holiday.

Fireworks can be set off in Bellevue beginning at 8 am through 10 pm from the 25^th of June through the 3^rd of July. On the 4^th of July, they can be set off from 8 am until midnight. If you live in a SID or Rural area that Bellevue Fire responds to, the times are the same.

Only Class C fireworks are permitted to be used in Bellevue. Class C fireworks are “consumer fireworks” and are the ones you can purchase at any fireworks stand in the City of Bellevue or surrounding communities in Nebraska. When setting off fireworks, please ensure you are not near any dry areas that could easily catch fire from the sparks. Also, ensure you have a garden hose or large bucket of water readily available to help douse any small fires that could occur or soak the fireworks after they have gone off to ensure they are completely out. We also recommend that you do not dispose of fireworks in your plastic waste dumpster until you know the fireworks have burned out completely or have been soaked in water. This will prevent trash fires that could potentially spread to a house, garage, etc.

Injuries, unfortunately, are common during the 4^th of July. In 2020, the State of Nebraska had over 130 people injured from fireworks. Most injuries were caused to the hand (48) and the most serious injury was 2^nd degree burns (44). The leading cause of injuries were from artillery shells (27), and sparklers were next with 21. Sparklers burn at a temperature of between 1,200 degrees and 2,000 degrees. That is hot enough to melt some metal, so we don’t want anyone to get hurt, and we ask that only adults set off fireworks. Please also ensure your firework displays are placed on a flat surface so they don’t tip over and please never point a firework towards another person or a building or vehicle. Alcohol use can also be a factor, so if you or anyone you know has had a little too much to drink, please just watch the displays and avoid using fireworks while you are intoxicated.

We want everyone to have a safe and happy 4^th of July holiday. Please use only approved fireworks and be prepared with a garden hose or bucket of water and enjoy the festivities.