An advisory committee is recommending changes to the regulations governing fireworks in the city of Wichita.

Acting Fire Marshal Chris Dugan said the committee looked at issues related to fireworks and the enforcement of local restrictions, taking a number of factors into consideration.  In the past, the city has banned the use of fireworks that shoot higher than six feet, but the proposed change would allow aerial fireworks in the city, and a permit fee of $10 would be charged for locations where they will be used.

Dugan said the city would authorize the use of “safe and sane” fireworks from June 27th to July 4th, and the use of aerial fireworks would be legal from July 1st through the 4th.  The times for shooting fireworks would still be from 10 a.m. to midnight, and after midnight there would be a “zero tolerance” policy for fireworks violations.   This would be the first phase of the changes for 2023.   In 2024, the city would legalize the sales of aerial fireworks in the city, there would be a new fee schedule for fireworks tents, and the city would look at creating a public safety district for fireworks tents.

The proposal also calls for increased fines of $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second offense and $2,000 for the third offense.

Dugan said the changes are being made to align the city more closely with county and state fireworks regulations.

The proposed changes will be taken to the city’s District Advisory Boards for discussion over the next two months, and they will go to the City Council for a formal decision in May.