Wichita City Council members have given unanimous approval to some changes in the city’s fireworks ordinance for this year.

The city has changed its fireworks ordinance to follow state laws, and phase one last year defined two types of fireworks:  “aerial” and “safe and sane” fireworks.  Phase two this year will allow aerial fireworks to be sold in the city limits.   Aerial fireworks can be shot from July 3rd to the 5th, in consideration of the longer July 4th holiday weekend this year.  The safe and sane fireworks can be shot from June 27th to July 5th.  Shooting times will remain 10 a.m. to midnight.    Council Member Mike Hoheisel said the days for aerial fireworks were shifted to put them closer to the weekend, avoiding disruptions to the work week as much as possible.

The changes to the ordinance will more closely follow state statutes, and it will be illegal to:

 Ignite fireworks from a bicycle, motorcycle, electric scooter, car or other motor vehicle
 Ignite fireworks within 50 feet of a fireworks stand
 Possess or ignite non-consumer grade fireworks
 Engage in the manufacture of fireworks for sale or personal use without a permit issued by the
State of Kansas; and
 Engage in a pyrotechnic show without a permit.

Fines for shooting of illegal fireworks will remain at $1,000 for first offense, $1,500 for second offense and $2,000 for the third or greater offenses.   Offenses from past years will be counted for the purpose of levying a fine.

There was a discussion about a new type of professional fireworks graded at 1.4.   Operations Manager Jacob Marietta with Wholesale Fireworks in Andover said this is a concern for the industry and they are fighting to get these items banned.    He said this is a professional grade that is meant to be used in shows and is not for consumer use, and he doesn’t want to see this coming into Wichita.  Assistant City Attorney Jan Jarman said language defining consumer fireworks can be changed in the ordinance and Wichita Fire Battalion Chief Jose Ocadiz said the permitting process can be used to prevent the sale of these items.    The language is to be added to the ordinance for final approval by the Council next week.