When Can You LEGALLY Start Lighting Fireworks in Evansville?

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, fireworks stores will soon be opening and the sound of fireworks will soon be heard all over the Tri-State. But before you go and light the wick on that quarter-stick of DYNAMITE, find out WHEN are you LEGALLY allowed to start lighting fireworks so you don't get into any trouble with the FUZZ!

In Evansville, the City Fireworks Ordinance allows for the lighting of fireworks starting June 29th through July 9th, and ONLY  between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The only exception on July 4th when the hours are extended to 10am-Midnight. 

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents of the state and county codes concerning fireworks. -

• Indiana Code 22-11-14-6 allows you to discharge fireworks on your property until 11 PM. On a legal holiday (which by statute includes every Sunday) you may discharge fireworks up until midnight.
• You may only discharge fireworks on your own property, on property that you have permission to use, or at a special discharge location authorized by the fire department having jurisdiction.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must have an adult present in order to possess or use fireworks.Discharging or possessing fireworks in violation of IC 22-11-14-6 is punishable a Class C Infraction.
• Damaging another person person’s property with fireworks is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor. Causing serious injury to another person with fireworks is punishable as a Class D Felony.
• Under IC 35-45-3-2 a person who places or leaves a spent firework on the property of another person commits Littering as a Class B Infraction. Vanderburgh County Code 12.24.010(u) prohibits the possession or discharge of fireworks within a county maintained park.

Residents should call 911 to report the unsafe or illegal use of fireworks, but are asked to refrain from calling 911 to report fireworks use that is in compliance with the law.