BEDFORD — As Independence Day approaches, local law enforcement leaders are making a joint appeal to Lawrence County residents, urging the public to celebrate safely, responsibly, and with neighbors in mind.
Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day and Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore both emphasized that while the holiday is a time for celebration, public safety and community respect remain paramount.
“As with all holidays and special events, we ask that you please celebrate responsibly,” Sheriff Day stated. “Please be mindful of your neighbors and be sure to only set fireworks off at the appropriate designated times allowed by law. Remember that fireworks can traumatize children, pets, and others, so a little common courtesy goes a long way.”
Understanding Indiana’s Fireworks Laws
To ensure a safe holiday, police are reminding residents of the explicit parameters set by Indiana state law regarding consumer fireworks. Under Indiana Code, local ordinances cannot completely ban fireworks on specific protected dates, but state law strictly enforces the hours during which they can be legally discharged.
“If we receive a complaint, we always try to educate the public on the ordinance,” added Chief Moore. “Generally, that resolves the issue.”
According to the City of Bedford Noise Ordinance 131.08:
(11) Noises associated with legal consumer fireworks used during the times Indiana Code prohibits regulation by municipalities, which are as follows:
(a) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29th to July 3rd;
(b) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and midnight on July 4;
(c) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset on July 5 to July 9; and
(d) Between 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
According to the ordinance, any person who violates shall pay a fine of $25 per violation if paid within 10 days of the violation, and $50 thereafter, to be paid within 30 days of the violation date.
Suppose the person who is issued an ordinance violation citation wishes to deny the violation or fails to pay the violation within 30 days of the date of the breach. The citation shall be dismissed from the Ordinance Violations Bureau in that case. It shall be re-filed with the Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office or the City Attorney for filing as a separate cause of action in the appropriate Court.
Law enforcement officials stress that context and location are critical to avoiding property damage or criminal infractions:
- Location Limits: It is illegal to discharge fireworks on public property, public streets, or school grounds. They may only be used on your own personal property, property where the owner has given explicit permission, or at a site specifically designated by the State Fire Marshal.
- Age Restrictions: Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase fireworks in Indiana. Minors under the age of 18 are legally required to have an adult physically present when possessing or lighting any fireworks.
Violations of Indiana’s fireworks statutes can result in a Class C infraction. However, any reckless or intentional misuse of fireworks that leads to property damage can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor, while causing personal injury can result in felony charges.
Local public safety officials advise residents who choose to do home displays to keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby, never hold lit fireworks, and thoroughly douse used casings before discarding them in the trash.
