Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees: Fireworks facts, laws and safety tips you need in Indiana

Indianapolis Star
·4 min read

Fireworks are a fun and festive way to celebrate the Fourth of July. But before you gather the family and light up that first sparkler, there are things you should know about using fireworks in Indiana — the laws that affect you, the penalties you could face for misusing fireworks (we're talking felonies, here), and the fact that 1,100 people around the country went to the emergency room for sparkler-related injuries in 2021.

Sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees or hotter. Allowing children to run pell-mell in the dark, on uneven ground, holding an incendiary device near their face is simply not safe.

Where to find fireworks: 2023 Fourth of July festivals, celebrations, fireworks in Central Indiana

What you should know about fireworks laws in Indiana

There are laws you should keep in mind when using fireworks in the Hoosier State.

  • You must be an adult, 18 or older, to buy fireworks.

  • Adults, 18 or older, must be present when children use or possess fireworks.

  • You can only use fireworks on your own property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to use fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.

  • Fireworks are only allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year's Eve unless a local ordinance says otherwise.

What times are fireworks allowed in Indiana

The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:

June 29-July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight

July 5-9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

Dec. 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

From infractions to felonies, violating fireworks laws in Indiana carries penalties

People who violate fireworks laws in Indiana can be charged with a class “C” infraction, according to the Indiana State Police. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks that damages property, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. The penalties get harsher if another person is injured or dies.

Here are five things you should know.

  • Anyone under the age of 18 using fireworks when an adult is not present is subject to a Class C misdemeanor and may result in a maximum fine of $500 per citation.

  • Illegal use of fireworks at an unapproved location is subject to a maximum fine of $500 per citation. Multiple citations in a five-year period results in a Class C misdemeanor and is subject to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.

  • Damaging someone else's property with fireworks is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in a $5,000 maximum fine and up to one year in prison.

  • Causing personal injury to someone else with fireworks is a Level 6 felony and may result in a $10,000 maximum fine and six months to 2 1/2 years in prison with an advisory sentence of one year.

  • A fatal fireworks accident is considered a Level 5 felony and may result in a $10,000 maximum fine and one to six years in prison with an advisory sentence of three years.

These laws exist, of course, because people have been seriously injured by the careless use of fireworks.

Avoid an expensive trip to the emergency room; use these fireworks safety tips

Fireworks led to an estimated 11,500 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms around the country in 2021, in which nine people died, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young adults aged 20-24 had the highest estimated rate of fireworks-related injuries of those treated.

Children aged 5-9 were estimated to be the second most likely to go to the emergency room, according to the U.S. CPSC, in which burn wounds to fingers and hands were the most common type of injury treated overall.

To stay safe around fireworks, keep the following in mind.

  • Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.

  • Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.

  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

  • Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

  • Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.

  • Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.

  • Only light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework.

  • After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Firework safety facts you should know for July 4th in Indiana