Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Fireworks Ordinances Explained

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“With fireworks sales and the Independence Day holiday upcoming we are issuing a press release regarding fireworks ordinances and fireworks safety tips,” said Fort Scott’s Public Relations and Tourism Director said.

“The major amendment to the fireworks ordinance is that it is lawful for fireworks to be discharged from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) of July 3rd and July 4,” he said. “In the past the ordinance stated that fireworks could be shot on July 4th only. The other points are a good reminder of what residents can and can’t do.”

PRESS RELEASE – CITY OF FORT SCOTT
ORDINANCE NO. 3585 | ORDINANCE NO. 3602
Thursday, June 30, 2022


The City of Fort Scott adopted an ordinance that states that inside the Fort Scott city limits, only Class C (common) fireworks are permitted to be discharged without a Special Events Permit. Class C fireworks are not permitted to be discharged except for the days they are allowed for retail sales.
These dates are from June 27th to July 4th. During this period, they shall not be discharged from the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00
a.m. On July 3rd and July 4th, it is lawful for them to be discharged from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) of July 3rd and July 4th.

It is illegal to discharge or ignite fireworks in these circumstances:
1. Within 1000 feet of a hospital.
2. Within 50 feet of a location where fireworks are sold.
3. Within 100 feet from any gas pump, filling station or bulk fuel storage facility.
4. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, cast or propel fireworks of any kind in the direction of or into the path of any person or group of persons, or from, in the direction of or into any vehicle of any kind.
5. Bottle Rockets. “Bottle Rocket” means any pyrotechnical device which is mounted on a stick or wire, and projects into the air when ignited, with or without reports, and include any device with the same configura- tion, with or without reports, which may be classified as a pipe or trough rocket.
6. Any Community College campus or surrounding grounds.
7. Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
8. Any City owned Parks.

No discharging of fireworks from 18th and Horton to 23rd and Horton during the time of the City’s fireworks display.

SECTION 2. The City Manager, Fire Chief or his designated person has the authority to alter the dates of this Ordinance due to severe dry weather conditions, or any other special circumstances.

SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and publication in the official City paper.

SECTION 4. Violation of this Ordinance is punishable under Chapter 1.16 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code.

Fireworks Safety
To help the public celebrate safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips for the safe
use of fireworks:
• Always ignite outdoors
• Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
• Have a water supply nearby
• Light from a solid, flat and stable platform
• Light only one firework at a time
• Make sure fireworks debris is cooled off completely before disposing
• Never re–ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Use a long–handled lighter


Bottle rockets and M80s are illegal in Kansas and extremely dangerous.
The use or sale of these banned fire- works is considered a crime under Kansas law.
It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.

Always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types.

Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.

Fort Scott Fire Chief Dave Bruner said “Fireworks can be exciting and enjoyable, but they can also be dangerous. Please be safe and smart during this Independence Day Holiday.”

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