Authorities warn, think before you pop this July 4th

Before lighting the fuse this July 4th, law enforcement authorities have a warning: It is illegal to possess, sell, trade, exchange, barter or in any other manner dispose of fireworks in Terrebonne Parish and within the city limits of Thibodaux.

The law does allow for “public displays.” (For a listing of local events, see page 1D in today’s issue.)

The maximum penalty for illegally possessing or shooting fireworks in Terrebonne Parish is up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, said Lt. Todd Duplantis, spokesman for the Houma Police Department.

Officers will be out en force today patrolling neighborhoods as well as the city’s roadways, he said.

Fireworks sales are legal in Lafourche Parish, and a number of stands are seeing a steady customer flow.

Throughout the day, authorities said, residents from areas where shooting fireworks is banned will still make purchases. Duplantis said police will confiscate illegal fireworks in addition to charging violators.

In addition to all of Terrebonne and the City of Thibodaux, fireworks are restricted to only Oakridge Park in Golden Meadow.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Larry Weidel said fireworks are allowed from 9 a.m. to midnight tonight and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow night.