Enjoy a ‘bang-up’ 4th of July, but follow the rules

The annual bangs and booms of fireworks season is fast approaching. The Fourth of July holiday is on a Thursday this year, followed by a long weekend. But no, the discharging of fireworks are not allowed after Independence Day.

The Brandon city ordinance for fireworks regulations remains the same, despite a wetter than normal summer. This year, compared to the drought of the last couple years, has been extremely rainy and wet, which poses less of a risk and concern for fires caused by fireworks and celebrations. 

Brandon Police Chief Jamie Steffel said that because of the weather, first responders have less to worry less about. However, people should still take fireworks seriously and be careful when lighting them off. Steffel said there is always a chance of fire.

In the past, when it has been dry, the county has put burn bans during the summer, but the city has not. However, they will likely not be in effect this year due to the rains.

Historically, Steffel said that the police department starts receiving complaint calls for fireworks as early as late June. Sales begin June 27 and people will shoot them off early. However, Brandon city ordinance 7-1-1, clearly states that fireworks can only be discharged in the city limits on July 3 and 4 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

The rules of fireworks only being shot off on private property also remains the same. Fireworks are not allowed on public property, and are only allowed on personal property.

Steffel reminds residents that fireworks are also not permitted in the streets, as they are public property and interfere with traffic and public safety. This includes at the end of driveways, as Steffel said it’s been a problem in the past.

Clean-up and storage can be an issue, too, as often fireworks are stored improperly and catch fire in garages. This is another issue to be aware of when cleaning up after celebrations.

“It’s a fun time for everybody and everybody gets excited and we certainly want to encourage people to have a good time, but we want to do it responsibly,” Steffel said.

Steffel said a big part of fireworks is compromise. People want to have fun, while others may be bothered by fireworks or have pets that can’t handle the noise. 

“The city’s trying to be accommodating to everyone,” he said.

Steffel reminds people to follow the ordinance that can be found on the city’s website. 

“There’s a lot of people who don’t want any fireworks at all and then there’s a lot of people who want just free reign,” Steffel said. “Follow the rules, be courteous of everybody in town and your neighbors, be safe, monitor, make sure there’s parental supervision if there’s children involved or young adults involved and clean up and clean up afterwards are the main things.”