This 4th of July, know what you can use, before you light the fuse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington’s Police and Fire Departments are reminding residents that not all fireworks are created equally, and some are illegal in the city.

A complete list of which fireworks are legal can be found at https://next.lexingtonky.gov/fireworks-rules-and-safety-tips.

Furthermore, the Lexington Fire Department is reminding everyone of the following tips on handling fireworks, so that 4th of July observances can be enjoyed safely:

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Only buy fireworks only from a licensed store or stand.
• Follow directions on firework packaging. DO NOT combine different types or light multiple fireworks at a time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Only use fireworks outdoors and away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Never throw sparklers or fireworks at people. Stand at least 6 feet from other people using sparklers.
• Spectators should keep a safe distance from individuals lighting fireworks.
• Do not carry fireworks in pockets.
• Do not drink alcohol and handle fireworks.
• For emergencies, always call 9-1-1.

Fayette County Fireworks Rules

A good rule of thumb – if it blows up or goes up, it’s more dangerous and therefore illegal in Fayette County.

Fireworks that have wings, fins or other parts which could cause them to fly are prohibited for general consumer use in Fayette County. Additionally, fireworks are illegal if they carry a cautionary label which includes in their description any of the following terms: explosive, emits flaming pellets, flaming balls, firecracker, report or rocket.

Fireworks Ordinance Fire Prevention Code 9-A

Fireworks in Fayette County, including consumer fireworks and display fireworks, are prohibited at all times in Fayette County except as set forth herein…

• Dipped stick-sparkler or wire sparkler, consisting of a metal wire or wood dowel that has been coated with pyrotechnic composition.
• Cylindrical Fountain containing not more than 75 grams of pyrotechnic composition, producing colored sparks, and sometimes smoke and a whistling effect.
• Cone Fountain from cardboard of heavy paper containing up to 50 grams of pyrotechnic composition with the same effect as a cylindrical fountain.
• Illumination Torch is a cylindrical tube containing up to 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition, producing a colored fire.
•  Wheel device attached to a post or tree by means of a nail or string.  Wheel contains no more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition, producing a shower of color and sparks.
• Ground Spinner is a small device, containing no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition, producing a shower of sparks and color similar to the wheel but intended to be placed on the ground.
•  Flitter Sparkler is a narrow paper tube attached to a stick or wire filled with no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition that produces color and sparks.
•  Toy Smoke Devices are small, plastic or paper items containing no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition that produce white or colored smoke.