It is that time of the year again for our country to celebrate our independence! The 4th of July is right around the corner and will be here sooner than you know it. It is well known that one of the defining characteristics of this holiday is of course fireworks. In light of this impending holiday the city would like to share some information and reminders to our citizens.
This year, local resident, member of the City Planning and Zoning Board, and coming from a family with a long history of retail sales of fireworks, David Graham has decided to operate a fireworks stand out of his home location. Mr. Graham was very meticulous in the design and building of the garage on his home with the anticipation of being able to get a license to be able to do so. This included conforming to all all legal local, state, and federal fire and building codes with such things as firewalls separating the garage from the home, a commercial sprinkler system, and several other safety precautions. He then applied for a special use permit from the city to be able to operate the stand at his residential location to conform to Riley city ordinances in addition to the state fireworks permitting he was required to acquire. And being a nearly 2 decade long member of the Manhattan Fire Department and currently a Fire Captain, he is well equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate this stand.
All of that being said, Mr. Graham will be operating his fireworks stand at 318 N Noble St which will be open to the public starting July 27th and ending July 4th which is in accordance with Kansas State Statutes for the legal time to sell retail fireworks. He has setup a Facebook Page where you can get some more information including hours of operation when they become available.
Important Information
The City of Riley would like to take the time to remind all citizens of several important items as the holiday approaches. The city does permit the discharge of fireworks within the city limits at the prescribed times, but it is important that everyone adhere to all laws, ordinances, and courtesies, so that this practice can continue.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, fire or ignite any fireworks as defined in Section 7-301 except during the hours of 8:00 o’clock a.m. to 12:00 o’clock p.m. (midnight) on each day of the period June 27 through July 4 of any year, except for permits obtained under Section 7-305.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, ignite or fire any fireworks upon the public streets, alleys or avenues or in any park or public place within the City.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, cast or propel fireworks of any kind in the direction of or into the path of any person or group of persons, or from, in the direction of or into any vehicle of any kind.
These are the ordinance sections most relevant to discharging fireworks and they must be followed. Moreover there are several common sense items that shall be observed.
- Clean up after yourselves. Please don’t leave discharged firework casings, packaging materials, tubes, etc, laying on your property. Wind will likely catch these and blow them into the streets or onto other’s property which is a nuisance and littering is against the law.
- Be mindful of those around you, especially young children as you travel the streets in general and to/from fireworks purchasing locations, obeying all traffic laws.
- Be safe if you are going to discharge fireworks. This means don’t hold lit fireworks in your hands, wear appropriate fire protection clothing. Each year thousands of people are injured by fireworks just here in the US, and a large majority of those accidents could have been avoided simply by not participating in foolish practices.
Have fun, be safe, enjoy and celebrate the significance of the freedoms this holiday celebrates.
