Fireworks Remain Illegal In OKC City Limits

Firefighters always encourage people to go to community-wide Fourth of July celebrations, but several in the Oklahoma City metro area have been canceling due to COVID-19 concerns.

This year, Oklahoma City firefighters are asking for the community to look at the facts before putting on their own show.

"Six hundred and twenty-one square miles, we have a lot of people within our city, and unfortunately, we still have a lot of people using consumer-grade fireworks," Oklahoma City fire Battalion Chief, Benny Fulkerson said.=

With a large number of fireworks shows being canceled, officials expect to see an all-time high in consumer firework sales this year.

But fire officials want to remind residents how dangerous fireworks can be.

"We see structure fires every year. People lose their homes. People can lose their lives," said Fulkerson.

People can also injure themselves and emergency rooms often see patients with injuries to the legs, fingers and face.

"A simple way to remember it is, if you light it, it is illegal," Fulkerson said.

In addition to the risk of injury, there's also the possibility of a fine.

"They can start at $177 and go up to $500," said Fulkerson. 

Oklahoma City officials also want to remind residents it is also illegal to buy or sell fireworks within city limits.