New Fireworks Ordinance
By: Jaimie Weiss
Updated: August 14, 2007
The City of Evansville is redefining its fireworks law.
Earlier this year the state gave cities control over fireworks regulation and Evansville is ready to change the its law.
Its a holiday tradition hoosier used to be able to enjoy anytime they wanted.
Now the City of Evansville wants to limit fireworks use to only 13 days a year and during specific times.
"Five days before the 4th of July, 5 days afterwards December 31st and January 1st."
Councilman Keith Jarboe got together with the police and fire chiefs to introduce the new legislation.
"Lets make this as strict as we can within the law."
. Jarboe says they copied the harshest part of the law from ordinances in other cities.
"If you because if your actions cause a fire you can be fined the cost of a fire run up to 25 hundred dollars."
As a firefighter its something Jarboe sees often.
"We had a situation where children were out with fireworks at a vacant building and caught that building on fire."
He wants everyone to enjoy celebrating with fireworks but says it needs to be done in a way that prevents fires, injuries and doesnt disturb neighbors.
City council heard a first reading on the ordinance tonight.
A second and third reading should happen in about two weeks.
