FIREWORKS FACTS 2012
Certain types of fireworks became legal in Minnesota in April 2002. With warmer weather and an increase of complaints about fireworks, the Minneapolis Police Department wants you to know these facts:
What’s legal? Minnesota law permits the sale, possession and use of some non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks. Examples include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items like snakes and party poppers. (These consumer fireworks may not be used on public property such as roads, alleys, schools, and parks.
Purchasers of these fireworks must be at least 18 years old. Sale, possession and use may occur at any time during the year.
Fireworks can only be sold from inside a permanent structure. Merchants selling fireworks from any location other than a permanent structure are in a violation of a city ordinance.
What’s illegal? The law still prohibits explosive and aerial fireworks for public sale, possession and use. Examples of illegal fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells—any fireworks that are explosive or aerial.
Please comply with the fireworks law! Be a considerate neighbor! Shooting off fireworks can be extremely frustrating for neighbors, especially when homes are close to each other, people are trying to sleep and pets are frightened. Fireworks can also be very dangerous.
911 will take calls about illegal fireworks; however, fireworks complaints are most prevalent on summer nights, when the police are very busy. Please provide the exact address and a good description of the person(s) setting off the fireworks.
Because of the volume of calls over the 4th of July holiday, the 911 dispatcher will put out general info to the squads, but will not dispatch a specific car, except in situations where a fire hazard or a direct threat to personal safety is present. This is to assure that police officers can respond to more serious crimes in progress.
Fireworks complaints can also be filed on line through 311.
Go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/forms/fireworks
The Minneapolis Police Department asks that you enjoy your
celebration with legal fireworks – those that are
non-explosive and non-aerial.
For questions, contact:
Tim Hammett
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 4th Precinct
1925 Plymouth Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 673-2866
timothy.hammett@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
June 19, 2012