July 4th is observed as the birth of American independence with celebrations ranging from fireworks, parades, and get-togethers. The Riley County Police Department wants to educate the public about local laws and ordinances surrounding the holiday to ensure the public's safety.
Each city in Riley County has different rules and regulations in regard to Fireworks. No bottle rockets or M80s are allowed in the State.
Manhattan
Discharge 8 am to midnight, July 1 through 4
- Sales are allowed from noon July 1 through midnight July 4
- Unlawful to discharge fireworks in streets, alleys, parks or on public property.
- Unlawful to throw or shoot fireworks in the direction of people or vehicles.
- Unlawful to ignite aerial luminaries, sometimes called sky lanterns or floating lanterns.
Ogden
Discharge 8 am to midnight, July 1 through 4
- No discharging fireworks in the streets or roadways
- Fireworks are allowed in City Park
Riley County
Discharge 8 am to midnight, July 1 through 4
- "...Shall not prohibit the discharge, firing, or ignition, at any time, of approved fireworks as set forth in Section 6, herein, upon land zoned for agricultural purposes pursuant to the zoning regulations of Riley County, Kansas, and with permission of the landowner or tenant, provided any such discharge, firing or ignition does not occur within 200 feet of any property line."
How to File a Complaint
Do not call 911 for firework noise complaints. Only call 911 for emergencies. If you call 911 for a non-emergent matter, our highly trained team of dispatchers will politely ask you to call back on our administrative line so the emergency line is free for critical use. To learn more about what is considered an emergency, click here. To file a noise complaint for firework issues outside of the lawful hours posted above, please call our non-emergent line at 785-537-2112.
Firework Safety
Before you go out to celebrate, please read some safety tips from our friends at the Manhattan Fire Department.
- Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water prior to disposal
- Always read the fireworks label for proper firing instructions
- Use fireworks only in a clear area away from houses, buildings, and dry grass
- Fireworks should not be ignited in glass or metal containers
- Never hold fireworks in your hand when lighting
- Keep observers at a safe distance
- Fireworks should only be discharged under adult supervision
- Have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher close
You can find more information on the City of Manhattan's website.
Pet Safety
Fireworks may be enjoyable for some people; however, some pets may find the loud noise disturbing.
If you can:
- Keep your pet indoors, in a quiet room
- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended near animals
- Keep pets away from fireworks or flames, including unlit fireworks they could ingest
- Keep identification tags on pets in case they get disoriented and run away from home
From everyone at the Riley County Police Department, we hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day!