New ordinances for Norfolk's firework celebration

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Fireworks tents are back in Norfolk and sales are about to be up in full swing in the coming days. Of course with the holiday festivities, there are rules that you still need to follow for the safety of yourself and others. 

The city of Norfolk changed its ordinance for discharging fireworks. The new dates are June 25 to July 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

For the Fourth of July, the same rules apply, except you can light off fireworks until midnight. 

“Yeah, fireworks, they changed the ordinance this year,” said Jerry Thompson, Norfolk Fire Inspector. “Fireworks will be on sale this year from June 25th to July 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00p.m.; and then on the fourth from 8:00 a.m. to midnight.”

Thompson also emphasized the importance of being respectful when lighting off fireworks, as igniting outside of city limits may result in hefty penalties.

“After 10:00 p.m., if you're still lighting off fireworks, you can get ticketed by the police department,” Thompson said. “But just please be respectful. People are trying to sleep and they work the next day so at 10:00 p.m. just stop shooting fireworks.”

Thompson also expressed the importance to always have a water bucket or hose around; as well as disposing of fireworks into water before throwing them in the garbage. For more information contact the Norfolk Fire Division for more details.