Using Fireworks for Fourth of July? Celebrate Safely, Legally

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate your patriotism enthusiastically, but residents also should make sure their celebrating is safe and follows state and city laws and ordinances.

Fireworks

Minnesota law prohibits individuals from using fireworks that project into the air, such as Roman candles or aerial fireworks, Chief Nealon Thompson told Patch last year. The types of fireworks that are allowed stay near the ground—things like sparklers, twizzlers, snakes and ground-effect fireworks.

In Apple Valley, residents can use permitted fireworks only on their own property—not on public property—between 8 a.m. and midnight on July 4 itself, and only until 10 p.m. any other day. More about fireworks regulations in Apple Valley is available in the Apple Valley City Code, Chapter 130, Section 7.

In Rosemount, residents also cannot use fireworks on public property. More about fireworks regulations in Rosemount is available in the Rosemount City Code, Title 6, Chapter 4.

Each year, the Apple Valley Fire Department does see a few cases of grass fires related to fireworks each year, and also a few injuries because of consumer fireworks, Thompson said; even the tip of a sparkler burns at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause burns. Stay 50 to 100 feet from structures with fireworks.

If a firework is a dud, leave it sit and don't approach it for 15 minutes in case it does end up igniting. Then, submerge it in a bucket of water for between 20 and 30 minutes.

Grilling

Fourth of July also is a popular time for grilling. Keep grills 10 feet away from structures and other items, including deck railings and fences, and don't grill in the garage.

For charcoal grills, let the charcoal cool overnight when you're done grilling, and make sure they're out before you throw them out—dousing them in water can help.

And don't throw them away in a paper bag; Thompson said he's seen fires start 24 and 48 hours after coals have been disposed because they were still hot when thrown away.