Wichita fire chief Tammy Snow said three committees are being formed to review the city’s fireworks ordinance and recommend any changes for next summer.

During a City Council workshop on Tuesday, Chief Snow reviewed the activity for the past July 4th holiday.   She said there was one structure fire that was related to the improper disposal of fireworks debris, and that caused $10,0000 in damage.  That’s down from 11 structure fires in 2023.    There were 36 injuries reported to area medical facilities and Snow said year-over-year there has been an 8 percent decline in fireworks-related injuries.   There were 1,160 calls to the fireworks hotline that was set up during the holiday period, and Snow said 719 of the the calls were made by people who live in the city of Wichita.

The city collected $75,000 in permit fees from fireworks vendors and most of that was used to cover the cost of enforcement, with police officers and firefighters working in teams to respond to complaints.   Snow said there is $8,000 left, and that will be used in 2025 to enhance marketing and education programs to make Wichita residents aware of the regulations.

The city allowed aerial fireworks for several days during the July 4th holiday period, and Snow said there are citizens who have been opposed to that.   She said the city will continue to engage with people who are opposed to aerial fireworks and look at ways to refine the city’s regulations.    She said discussions will be held with city staff, vendors and citizens to look at the 2025 fireworks season.

Council member Dalton Glasscock said in every measurable way, the city’s fireworks regulations have been a success compared to last year and hopefully that can be repeated for 2025.