4th of July: What to know about fireworks in Louisville and Jefferson County

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
·4 min read

Fourth of July is right around the corner, which means BBQs, red, white and blue clothes and decorations, and fireworks.

Many around Louisville will host parties and with them, fireworks shows. But, before lighting them up, it's important to know the dos and don't and security risks.

Major Bobby Cooper, a spokesperson for the Louisville Fire Department, said more than 19,000 fires around the country are caused by Independence Day fireworks and said the holiday is the busiest day for fires.

The National Fire Prevention Association attributes approximately 18,500 injuries reported by fires in the country to fireworks. Of those injuries, 31% are to a hand or finger and 22% are to the head, face or ear.

Things to do: A music venue in Nelson County? Your guide to The Amp at Log Still 2023 concert series

So, if you are thinking of igniting fireworks in your house, here are a few things to know:

Are fireworks illegal in Louisville?

Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in Jefferson County.

Which ones apply? Roman candles, bottle rockets or aerial spinners. If the cautionary label on the firework has the words "explosive," "emits flaming pellets," "flaming balls," "firecracker," "report" or "rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don't let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The National Fire Protection Association said sparklers are responsible for more than 25% of the firework injuries that end up in an emergency room.

Where can I buy fireworks?

It is illegal to buy fireworks in Louisville and Cooper said that people using "fireworks as incendiary device that deliberately catches something on fire" can be arrested. There is also a $500 fine for people that buy or sell illegal fireworks in Louisville.

"The reality is, we know that people still may come in (from other places) with illegal fireworks and be using those and the truth is it is hard to police," Cooper said.

Fireworks can be purchased legally nearby including Oldham County and Bullitt County, where some type of fireworks are legal as well as in Southern Indiana.

No matter in which state, people have to be 18 years or older to purchase.

Fourth of July in Louisville: From parades to concerts and fireworks: Here's where to celebrate July 4 in Louisville

What’s the safest way to set off fireworks?

Since people might still want to have a firework display at their Independence Day party, Cooper gives some tips on how to do so safely:

  • Fireworks should be lit up by an experienced adult that is sober and has a plan in place, like not having children around.

  • The adult should follow the instructions on the package and read the warning labels.

  • Light up fireworks on flat surfaces and without people around. In Kentucky, fireworks have to be 200 feet away from a building in order to explode.

  • Do not light them indoors.

  • Do not relight fireworks after they went off, even if there is still a fuse that did not go off.

  • Wear appropriate clothes— tight apparel.

  • If there is a fire: stop, drop and roll.

  • Fireworks should be disposed by putting them in a bucket of water overnight.

How else can people enjoy fireworks in order to stay safe?

Cooper encourages people to watch one of the many fireworks displays coordinated by professionals around Louisville, including the Waterfront 4th of July, the Paristown Fourth of July Celebration or the Belle of Louisville Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise on July 3 and 4.

The National Fire Protection Association gives a list of other possible ways to celebrate Independence Day:

  • Using glow sticks or noise makers.

  • Having an outdoor movie night.

  • Throwing red, white and blue silly string.

  • "Make a patriotic craft with the family."

  • Celebrate the country's birthday with cake.

More: GonzoFest hosting its 10th and final festival honoring late journalist Hunter S. Thompson

More: Looking for something fun and free for your kids this summer? Check out the Cultural Pass

Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What fireworks are legal in Louisville?