Do I need a permit for neighborhood fireworks in Lexington? How to avoid a hefty fine
When it comes to setting off fireworks in Lexington, there’s a short-hand phrase you’re likely to hear repeated this time of year: “If it goes up or blows up, it’s illegal in Fayette County.”
That slogan generally captures the gist of local firework law, but there are some nuances to be aware of, particularly if you want to avoid hefty fines or even jail time.
Here’s what to know about the ins and outs of Lexington’s fireworks ordinances, including which devices are allowed and prohibited and whether you need a permit for your Fourth of July celebration.
What are Lexington’s laws on fireworks?
In Lexington and throughout Fayette County, the only fireworks a person can legally purchase and use without a permit are hand-held and ground-based devices, as laid out in Lexington’s fireworks ordinance.
Lexington allows the type of fireworks described in Kentucky Revised Statute 227.702(1), which describes “ground and hand-held sparkling devices.”
Aerial and audible ground devices are generally banned, with one key exception. Those types of fireworks are subject to a permitting process and require an application that must be submitted 30 days prior to the event.
The application must be submitted for review by the Lexington Fire Department, located at 211 East 3rd St. in Lexington. The application also specifies licensing and insurance requirements for the event, potential fees for fire inspectors and safety precautions for the event itself (on-hand fire extinguishers, for example).
If you’ve ever been to a Lexington Legends game or a game at Kroger Field, you may have seen aerial firework displays.
However, in a phone interview with the Herald-Leader, Lexington Fire Battalion Chief Derek Roberts stressed the permitting process is open to all members of the public, not just businesses or government agencies.
“If you’re an individual, you have a block party every year, and you want to have a big firework show, you’re more than welcome to have that,” provided you go through the permitting process. “It is literally the same permitting requirement.”
What are the penalties for violating Lexington’s firework ordinance?
According to the city’s ordinance on the topic, any person found guilty could face a fine of up to $1,000, a six-month jail sentence or both. For businesses, the fine amount is $2,000 or double the amount of money made from the violation.
For those who use prohibited fireworks in particular, the minimum fine is $250 for the first offense within 12 months. Subsequent offenses carry $500 and $1,000 fines.
Resident complaints aid in enforcing the policy. According to Lexington Police Sgt. Guy Miller, a public information officer for the department, complaints should be made to the city’s non-emergency line at 859-258-3600.
How do you make sure fireworks are safe?
When it comes to setting off fireworks, Roberts generally recommends you “leave it to the professionals.”
“Lexington has a fireworks show every year. It’s free,” Roberts said, referring to the city’s Fourth of July celebration with a firework show at 10 p.m. It takes place at Oliver Lewis Way and Main Street in the city’s Distillery District.
If you do plan to celebrate at home, Roberts stressed children should be closely supervised when they’re around fireworks.
“Children make up the vast majority of injuries with fireworks,” Roberts said.
Any type of firework can be dangerous, Roberts said, noting sparklers can burn anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 degrees.
Exercise common sense and follow these firework safety tips:
Fireworks are dangerous and best left up to professionals. According to the National Safety Council, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending public displays conducted by trained pyrotechnicians.
If you do choose to use consumer fireworks, make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable dealer. Consumer fireworks should actually be consumer-grade. Commercial-grade devices should only be used by professionals.
Use fireworks 75 to 100 feet from houses or structures and check for utility lines overhead. Ensure you’re lighting them on a stable surface and brace fireworks to keep them from falling over.
Keep a water-charged fire extinguisher or some buckets of water nearby just in case. Avoid using fireworks under drought conditions.
Supervise children using sparklers and keep pets safe and secure indoors.
Do you have a question about the law in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.
