Fireworks Safety

Manhattan Fireworks Regulations Overview


Discharge is allowed 8 a.m. to midnight July 1 through July 4.

Sales are allowed starting July 1 at noon through midnight July 4.

Below are specific regulations Manhattan residents should follow:

  • Sec. 13-58 — Throwing prohibited. 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.
  • Sec. 13-57 — Discharge in street unlawful. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, ignite or fire any fireworks upon the public streets, alleys or avenues or in any park or public place within the city.
  • Sec. 13-66 — Aerial luminaries banned. It shall be unlawful to sell, ignite, or otherwise use an aerial luminary, commonly known as a sky lantern or a floating lantern, within the City of Manhattan.
  • KSA 31-55 — Bottle rockets. State statute prohibits sales and possession of “bottle rockets.” Defined as: is mounted on a stick or wire; and projects into the air when ignited, with or without reports, and includes any device with the same configuration, with or without reports, which may be classified as a pipe or trough rocket. "Bottle rocket" does not include helicopter-type rockets.
Play it safe with fireworks — tips from the Office of the State Fire Marshal on staying safe during the Fourth of July.

Fireworks Stands

Fireworks stands are licensed and inspected by the City of Manhattan.  No discharge is allowed within 100 feet of tents.

 Map of Licensed Fireworks Stands in Manhattan 2022

If you have additional questions, please contact a member of the fire prevention team at 785-587-4506 or email Lou Kaylor, Dan Newton, or Jake Powell.


The dangers of fireworks

 

It is estimated 8,300 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks each year.

  • Approximately 50 percent of the injuries are burns.
  • Most of the injuries involve the hands, eyes or head.
  • Nearly half of the victims are younger than 15 years old.

Federal and State Fireworks Regulations


To help prevent fireworks accidents, the federal government, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, prohibits the sale of the most dangerous types of fireworks to consumers. These banned fireworks include:
  • Aerial bombs
  • Cherry bombs
  • Large firecrackers with more than 2 grains of powder
  • Large reloadable shells
  • M-80 salutes
  • Mail order kits designed to build fireworks
Before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local area. A general rule is to shoot them where you buy them. Some state and local governments prohibit or limit common fireworks or firecrackers used by consumers, formerly referred to as Class "C" fireworks. Such fireworks include:
  • Firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder
  • Multiple tube devices
  • Novelty items such as snakes and airplanes
  • Rockets
  • Roman candles
  • Sparklers

Reduce the risk of injuries


Only use legal fireworks with extreme caution. Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks. Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
  1. Sparklers, considered by many as "safe," burn at very high temperatures, can easily ignite clothing and stay hot long after burning out. They are as dangerous as matches or lighters to children. Be sure to collect all burned out sparkler wires for disposal.
  2. Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close supervision. Never allow any running or horseplay.
  3. Use lighters with a child resistant feature. Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
  4. Light fireworks outdoors, one at a time, on a clear, smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves or grass, or flammable materials.
  5. Keep water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on misfired or spent fireworks.
  6. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
  7. Be sure other people and pets are out of range.
  8. Never experiment with fireworks or ignite them in a glass or metal container. Do not attempt to make your own fireworks.
  9. Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. Store them in a dry, cool place out of reach of children.
  10. Read and follow all manufacturers' directions for the use of the fireworks.

Protect your children


Teach your children to respect fire and fireworks at an early age.
  • Fireworks, including sparklers, are not toys.
  • Fireworks are dangerous explosives.
  • Never pick up fireworks.
  • Report any fireworks found to an adult right away.
  • Never play with matches or lighters.
  • Only use sparklers when an adult is in charge.
  • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never throw fireworks at another person.