Since the first anniversary of the United States winning its independence, fireworks have been a popular and festive way to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. And it’s no doubt that on the 250th birthday of the U.S., fireworks will once again light up the night’s sky.

But is discharging fireworks legal? Well, that depends on the laws where the fireworks are being set off. Even then, it may not be that easy for some to figure out following legislation that recently became law in Oklahoma.

In late May, Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 1948, aka Rocket’s Red Glare Act, which became effective immediately. Here are the key provisions of the new state law.

• It repeals the statewide ban of bottle rockets being sold and discharged in Oklahoma.
• It allows for year-round sales of fireworks by properly licensed entities.
• It restricts counties from prohibiting private outdoor fireworks displays for noncommercial purposes, among other conditions.

So what does the Rocket’s Red Glare Act mean for Broken Arrow? Bottom line, not much. And that’s because the legislation primarily affects unincorporated areas in counties and DOES NOT preempt or override Broken Arrow’s city ordinance.

• Setting off fireworks is only legal in Broken Arrow on July 3 and July 4 between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• Bottle rockets, now legal in the state and if used in Broken Arrow, must be done in compliance with city ordinance outlining dates and timeframe of discharge, place, and safety rules within city limits.
• Sales of fireworks are still prohibited in Broken Arrow city limits.
• Citizens are not required to have a permit or to notify the fire department prior to lighting fireworks.

The only thing that changes in Broken Arrow is that bottle rockets are now allowed to be discharged in city limits. Here’s more about Broken Arrow’s fireworks ordinance, Section 10-3.

• Must be done on a noncombustible surface and not closer than 25 feet to any permanent structure.
• Discharging fireworks is not allowed in any city park, arterial street, or collector street that has paving in excess of 26 feet wide.
• It is the responsibility of individuals discharging fireworks to clean up extinguished fireworks debris and it must be removed the same day you use fireworks.
• Any use of fireworks in violation of city ordinances is punishable by a fine. ($274/$499/$549 plus court cost)
• Any use of fireworks between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. is punishable by a fine double the fine normally imposed for a violation.
• Children under 12 must be under the supervision of an adult when in possession of fireworks
• Discharging fireworks is legal ONLY on July 3 and July 4 between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Broken Arrow Fire Department encourages citizens to attend public fireworks displays conducted by professionals, however, understanding that discharging fireworks is how many prefer to celebrate the holiday, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Residents are encouraged to call the non-emergency number for the Broken Arrow Police Department, 918-259-8400, if they see or hear fireworks being discharged illegally. In the case of an emergency, please dial 911. BAPD officers and the Fire Marshal’s office respond to reports of illegal fireworks use, but enforcement is limited to law enforcement witnessing the violation or to a citizen willing to file a report.

We understand why individuals want the opportunity to celebrate with fireworks and we understand the concerns individuals have about fireworks being set off in city limits. We encourage everyone, regardless of your opinion of fireworks, to be considerate of your neighbors on July 3 and July 4. If you’re planning to discharge fireworks, please do so only during the legal hours of 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. and discuss your plans with your neighbors. If you don’t like fireworks, please talk to your neighbors who are setting them off to let them know your concerns. Please try to find middle ground.

It’s important to remember, it’s legal to set off fireworks in city limits on those two days because Broken Arrow voters approved discharging fireworks by a vote of 14,795 in favor and 8,985 against on Nov. 7, 2006.