🎥 Hays Fire Chief: Use fireworks with common sense and courtesy

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Fireworks are an important part of how we commemorate our War For Independence and the founding of our nation,” Hays Fire Chief Gary Brown said Tuesday.

He just wants residents to use caution when discharging fireworks during the upcoming Independence Day holiday. “Fireworks are fun for people but they have to be used with good common sense.”

Brown offered the following safety tips:

Adults should closely supervise teens using fireworks.
Do not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
Fireworks should be used only outdoors.
Always have a hose, fire extinguisher or water bucket ready when using fireworks.
Know your fireworks; read the caution label before igniting.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Only light one firework at a time.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes before approaching it and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. They can kill you.
Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor, fire resistant garbage can away from buildings and flammable materials.

“Every Fourth of July season, we run a few fires in the city’s polycarts. People put their fireworks display materials in the blue plastic polycart and the polycart catches fire,” Brown said. “Use something metal, non-combustible to put the debris in.”

Most importantly, Brown stressed people should call 911 promptly if a person is injured or a fire is started by fireworks.

“We would much rather get a call for something minor, it’s already out situation, than get the call when it’s too late.”

Fireworks may be sold and used in Hays July 2, 3 and 4. Fireworks may be used only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. those three days.

All consumer fireworks legal in Kansas are approved for sale and use in Hays.

City commissioners recently approved the updated fire code which now regulates sky lanterns. “Sky lanterns have to be tethered,” Brown noted, “so that they can’t just float away and land someplace and cause a fire.”

State law prohibits fireworks from being ignited or discharged in the following instances:

From a moving or stationary vehicle
On a public street or right-of-way
Within 100 feet of a hospital, nursing home or fireworks sales location
Within 50 feet of a fuel pump or gas station

Persons using fireworks in Hays are responsible for cleaning up all debris, according to the fire code.

“Practice courtesy and respect to all your neighbors,” urged Brown. “Every year we hear complaints that people just didn’t clean up when they got done. That’s just common courtesy. It’s how we keep a clean city and how we care about each other. Think about the other person and clean up after yourself when you’re done.”

Ellis County commissioners approved the use of fireworks in rural areas at their May 5 meeting. The days and times are the same as in the city of Hays.