Broken Arrow requires permit for fireworks

Sunday, July 3rd 2005, 6:11 pm

By: News On 6

Many residents will be celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks across eastern Oklahoma. Most cities have ordinances making it illegal to even possess fireworks inside city limits but Broken Arrow now has a way for people to have fun with fireworks and be safe too.

The new ordinance allows residents to buy a $20 permit to shoot off fireworks on the 4th between 3pm and 11pm only. Broken Arrow Police officer Chad Burden says they can't stop everyone from shooting off fireworks, so the permits help pay for officers' overtime, and allow folks to still have their fireworks fun. He says the ordinance makes it a win-win situation.

"I think it'll help because in years past, it was just illegal to use any fireworks inside the city limits and so officers were constantly running to the calls.â€

Broken Arrow Police officers will be enforcing the ordinance and anyone caught shooting off fireworks without a permit could face a $150 fine.

Residents can purchase permits at the Broken Arrow Police Department between 8am and 4pm.