Firework Possession, Discharge Illegal Within City Of Tulsa

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa Fire Department is encouraging firework safety and reminding Tulsans that the possession and discharge of fireworks is illegal within the City of Tulsa.

The possession and discharge of fireworks is a violation of city ordinance and could result in a fine up to $220.

The risk of brush, trash and structure fire is especially high during the July 4th holiday when the illegal discharge of fireworks occurs, said Captain Michael Baker, TFD.

The Tulsa Fire Department will have additional personnel on-duty in the River Parks area to ensure a safe Tulsa FreedomFest '09 celebration. Fire companies will also be responding to fireworks complaints across the city.

The Tulsa Fire Department offers the following tips if you plan to attend Tulsa's FreedomFest '09:

• Respect established safety barriers and boundaries.
• Leave pets at home -- the loud noise can frighten animals and injure their hearing.
• Do not possess or discharge fireworks on your own. You risk injuring yourself and others in the crowd along with receiving a significant fine.

If your celebration includes grilling, practice safety by maintaining a distance of at least 10 feet from structures and other combustible surfaces.