Those wanting to celebrate the New Year with fireworks should be aware of how to use them safely.
Fireworks can be discharged in Kosciusko County until midnight on New Year’s Eve since it’s a holiday.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department outlines the following laws as a reminder to Kosciusko County residents:
- AGE RESTRICTIONS– You have to be 18+ to buy fireworks. If someone under 18 is using or possessing fireworks, someone 18+ needs to be present. Anyone under the age of 18 possessing or using fireworks without the presence of an adult could face a fine of $500 per infraction. Children using fireworks should be monitored closely by an adult to avoid severe burns to the hands and arms as well as other injuries due to improper handling of sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers.
- LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION– You can only use fireworks on your property, the property of someone who gave you permission to discharge fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal as such. Someone using fireworks at any location other than the 3 previously listed could face a maximum fine of $500 per infraction. Damaging someone else’s property with fireworks could result in a fine of $5,000 as well as 1 year imprisonment.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department says someone recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally using fireworks and causing the serious injury or death of someone else could face between 1 to 6 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.
