Fireworks

The City of Lawrence is a fireworks-free city. The possession, sale, and handling of fireworks have been prohibited since 2002—with novelty items being the only things permitted within city limits.

Permitted Novelty Items

  • Party poppers: Small items not more than .25 grains of explosive with a string protruding from the device that is usually pulled to ignite.
  • Snappers: Small paper wrapped item with no more than .02 grains of explosive that, when dropped, the device explodes.
  • Snakes, glow worms: Produces a snake-like ash upon burning.
  • Sparklers: Wire or stick coated with pyrotechnic material that ignites to produce a shower of sparks. They are only permitted in Lawrence from June 27 to July 5.
  • Toy caps: Toy plastic or paper caps for toys in sheets, strips, rolls or individual.
  • Toy smoke devices: Produce smoke only and with a limited amount of pyrotechnic material.

Be Courteous

Celebrate safely and be courteous. People in our community can be affected by the smoke created by fireworks if they have respiratory and breathing difficulties. Pets can also be bothered by the loud noises, so make sure animals are secure inside if they tend to react to them.

If a veteran lives in your neighborhood, be a good neighbor and think about the implications fireworks can have on their celebration and daily routine. An estimated 7% to 20% of the more than 2.5 million veterans and troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are believed to have developed PTSD. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, loud blasts and flashing lights can sometimes induce panic attacks. PTSD is characterized by emotionally re-experiencing traumatic events. The thoughts are triggered for combat veterans by the sound of an explosion or gunfire, or even certain sights and smells, according to the Institute of Medicine.

City Code

City of Lawrence Ordinance 7594 states that the use, possession, handling and sale of fireworks are prohibited with the exception of permitted supervised public displays.

City of Lawrence Ordinance 8802 amends the 2012 IFC Section 5601.1.1(b) to make it unlawful to ignite or otherwise use aerial luminaries.

Douglas County

Citizens may legally ignite or discharge fireworks and novelty items on private property in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County, Kansas. It must be done with the property owner’s permission and during the following dates and times:

  • July 1 from 7am to 10pm
  • July 2 from 7am to 10pm
  • July 3 from 7am to midnight
  • July 4 from 7am to midnight

Visit the web site of Douglas County Zoning and Codes to learn about Firework Regulations for unincorporated areas of Douglas County.