Fireworks Sales Start June 27 in Arkansas City

Fireworks sales in Arkansas City will begin Friday, June 27, under a one-time seasonal extension approved by the City Commission. During a recent meeting, the Commission voted to temporarily extend the permitted sale and detonation of fireworks within city limits through Saturday, July 5, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, City staff recommended the extension to give residents more flexibility to celebrate. This change applies only to the 2025 season.

All other provisions in Chapter 34, Article III, Section 34-45 of the Arkansas City Municipal Code remain in effect. These include regulations related to hours of use, safety practices, and proper cleanup.

As residents prepare for the holiday, the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department urges the community to celebrate responsibly and be mindful of safety.

“Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents — many of them involving children and young adults,” said Arkansas City Fire Marshal Gary Bowker. “While most injuries involve illegal or professional-grade fireworks, even small devices like firecrackers and sparklers can cause significant harm. We urge everyone to follow safety guidelines and make smart choices.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY REMINDERS
If you plan to use consumer-grade Class C fireworks in Arkansas City, please keep the following in mind:

• Fireworks may only be sold and used between June 27 and July 5, 2025.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not shoot fireworks from or toward vehicles.
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors and away from people, buildings, and flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light one device at a time and back away quickly.
• Never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding.
• Keep a garden hose or water bucket nearby in case of fire.
• Illegal fireworks (such as bottle rockets or homemade devices) are prohibited.

THE HIDDEN DANGER OF SPARKLERS
Sparklers may seem harmless, but they pose serious risks—especially to children. These handheld fireworks burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals. They can easily ignite clothing, and children have suffered severe burns from simply dropping sparklers onto their feet.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers are responsible for over 25% of all fireworks-related emergency room visits. For children under 5 years old, sparklers account for nearly half of all reported fireworks injuries.

“Sparklers are often handed to children because they look fun and festive,” Bowker said. “But in reality, they are one of the most dangerous fireworks out there. We strongly encourage families to consider safer alternatives.”

DAMAGE AND COSTS
In addition to personal injuries, fireworks cause an average of 19,000 fires nationwide every year, leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.

To help prevent injury and loss, families are encouraged to consider safer, festive alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colorful streamers.

In the event of a fire or other emergency, call 911 immediately.