(KSLA) — So when and where can you use fireworks this holiday season?
The answer to that question depends upon where you are.
Benton: Fireworks can be used until 10 p.m. each day except on New Year’s Eve, when the cutoff time is 1 a.m. Jan. 1, the Benton Police Department reports. No fireworks are allowed after 10 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Bossier City: Fireworks can be sold and used between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day through Jan. 1 except on New Year’s Eve, when they will be allowed until 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Those who are found guilty of violating the law can get up to 60 days in jail and can fined up to $500.
Bossier outside the city limits: The parish has no restriction on the days when fireworks can be used. As for the hours, the parish has a law prohibiting excessive noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. “New Year’s Eve is an obvious exception on the time,” the Sheriff’s Office notes.
Shreveport: Fireworks, excluding bottle rockets and sky rockets, may be discharged in the city between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day except New Year’s Eve, when they are allowed until 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Caddo outside city limits: The parish law is similar to Shreveport’s.
► And, as always, authorities stress that celebratory gunfire is prohibited.
Basically, what goes up must come down and could kill or injure someone. That includes bullets.
Plus, firing a gun inside the city is illegal.
- Buy your fireworks from a reputable business.
- Never leave young children alone with fireworks.
- Never let young children light fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while impaired;
- Never use fireworks within 200 feet of structures, vehicles and rubbish.
- Never shoot, aim or throw fireworks at people or animals.
- Never ignite fireworks in areas of dry vegetation.
- Never light more than one device at a time;
- Never try to re-light fireworks that have failed. Instead, soak them with water and wait 15 minutes before throwing them away.
- Never ignite fireworks in areas of dry vegetation.
- Monitor any embers that are released
- Keep a water hose or a bucket of water handy for emergencies. Buckets also could be used to douse spent but hot sparklers.
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