Fireworks tents are now open across Wichita for the upcoming July 4th weekend. Fireworks items will be on sale through July 5th.
Wichita Fire Department Battalion Chief Jose Ocadiz says fireworks can be set off between 10 a.m. and midnight through July 5th. He said people should only use fireworks within the city that are purchased from the locations inside the city limits. Those items have been checked out by the Fire Department and approved for use in the city. He said the city ordinance does not allow anything that sparks higher than six feet, and anything labeled as shooting flaming balls will not be allowed. Violations will result in a fine of $250 plus court costs.
Ocadiz says the number of building fires related to fireworks has been in decline over the past two years, and the department will be putting a emphasis this year on proper disposal of fireworks. He said used fireworks should be watered down and allowed to cool before being placed in a trash bin or dumpster.
Sedgwick County will again have a non-emergency line for reporting fireworks complaints. That number will be 290-1011. It will be open from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. July 1st through the 4th.
