City of Hays

Fireworks are an important part of celebrating the Independence Day holiday. In the City of Hays, the sale of fireworks is permitted for three days — July 2, 3 and 4. The use of fireworks is allowed during the hours of 10 AM to 11 PM on those days. Everyone is asked to respect these limits and be courteous to neighbors. Fireworks debris can make quite a mess. Persons using fireworks are asked to clean up all debris.

Using fireworks properly is safe and fun. Each year however, many fires and injuries are caused by fireworks accidents. The National Fire Protection Association reports that nationwide, almost 18,000 fires are caused by fireworks each year. According to the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, in 2014 [the latest information available] Kansas hospitals reported a total of 158 fireworks injuries; most occurring on July 4. Almost half of all fireworks injuries occurred to children under the age of 18.

For safe fireworks use:
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry and safe location.
· Have an adult supervise all fireworks use.
· Fireworks and alcohol use are not a good mix.
· Always use fireworks outdoors.
· Keep a garden hose or bucket of water handy in case of an accidental fire.
· Read and follow the fireworks label directions.
· Light only one firework at a time.
· Do not try to re-light malfunctioning fireworks.
· Don’t experiment with or combine fireworks.
· Thoroughly soak used fireworks before disposal.
· Call 911 promptly if there is an injury or fire.

By state law, it is not legal to shoot fireworks into, under or from a vehicle, on any public roadway or right-of-way or within 100 feet of a hospital or nursing home or a place where fireworks are sold or stored. City code prohibits the use of fireworks in city cemeteries.

For more information contact the City of Hays Police Department at [785] 625-1030 or the City of Hays Fire Department at [785] 628-7330.

Don Scheibler, Police Chief
[email protected]
[785] 625-1030

Gary Brown, Fire Chief
[email protected]
[785] 628-7330