Be Safe this Independence Day

The Portage Fire Department is reminding citizens to use caution if they intend to set off fireworks.

• Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks. A celebration can quickly turn tragic if a child is injured.
• Only individuals 18 years of age or older may legally purchase fireworks.
• Use fireworks outside, never indoors or in a garage. Use a clear, open area and keep your audience a safe distance away from the site where fireworks will be ignited.
• Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person.
• Check with local officials about when you can discharge fireworks

For more information about fireworks safety, visit http://www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared.htm

*This message is brought to you by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, a division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Penalties for violating Indiana’s Fireworks Laws

A person who uses consumer fireworks at any place other than

• On the user’s property.
• On the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks on that property.
• At a “special discharge location”. commits a class C infraction that may result in a maximum fine of $500 per infraction. More than 1 infraction in 5 years may constitute a change to a class C misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment up to 60 days and a maximum fine of $500.

* “special discharge location” is a place designated for the discharge of consumer fireworks under temporary policies of the State Fire Marshal.

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and damages someone else’s property commits a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment up to 1 year and a maximum fine of $10,000.

For more information on Indiana’s Fireworks Laws, visit the IDHS website at: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2810.htm and http://www.in.gov/dhs/files/fireworks.pdf

Designated times to discharge Fireworks

In accordance with Portage Municipal Code Sec. 54-10. - Use of consumer fireworks.

(a) Consumer fireworks may not be used, ignited or discharged within the corporate limits of the city, except as set forth below:
(1) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 2 hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8 and July 9;
(2) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and
(3) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
(b) As used in this section, consumer fireworks shall have the meaning set forth in IC 22-11-14-1.
(c) In addition to any other penalty, the city's police officers and code enforcement officers may confiscate consumer fireworks from any person using, igniting or discharging them in violation of this section.

If anyone has any questions, please contact the Portage Fire Department Administration at 762-7404 Mon. thru Fri. 8a.m.-4:30p.m.