With the 4th of July holiday approaching, the Watertown Police Department would like to remind the citizens of the city ordinance and provide some safety tips.

13.0303: FIREWORKS No person shall discharge or set off any firecracker, skyrocket, Roman candle, torpedo or other kind of fireworks or pyrotechnic display, except when the same is permitted by Order or Proclamation of the Mayor of this City. Each act of discharging or setting off any article of fireworks or pyrotechnic display shall be a separate offense, except it shall be legal to discharge such fireworks in the area annexed to the City by Resolution Y-1832 on the Fourth of July and during the period beginning at dusk on December 28th and extending through 10:00 p.m. on January 1st. (E-679) (Ord. 11-26 Rev 12-02-11) 

The City of Watertown also has an ordinance regarding open burning. SKY LANTERNS fall under this ordinance, and CANNOT be legally lit at any time within the City Limits. 

The City of Watertown, South Dakota, prohibits the use of fireworks within the city limits with the exception of sparklers, snakes, and other fireworks that do not have an audible report, projectile, or launching component. If a police officer observes the fireworks being discharged, he or she can issue an immediate citation, up to $160. 

Fireworks can be lit within the High Water Mark Boundaries of Lake Kampeska on July 4th. The Legal Boundaries are included in this attachment.

Here are a few tips to decrease the chance of injuries from fireworks.
1. Safety glasses should be worn by anyone using fireworks, or in the area of fireworks being used. These can be purchased locally, and it just takes some planning to buy them ahead of time.
2. Adults should always be in charge of the lighting of fireworks.
3. Have a water supply in the area where the fireworks are being used. Do not use fireworks in really dry areas.
4. If fireworks do not go off, never pick them up, soak them with water and let them sit for 30 minutes.
5. Never shoot off fireworks in an enclosed container or glass bottle.
6. Sparklers are some of the most dangerous fireworks you can buy, especially for young children. They can exceed temperatures over 2000 degrees.
7. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
8. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Thank you for your cooperation and we hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July with their loved ones!