Don’t blow up your freedom this Fourth, police warn

With the start of the July 4th holiday, law enforcement is bracing for the sound of fireworks, either legal or illegal, bursting in the air.

Authorities in the Tri-parish area are reminding residents to pay close attention to local laws before striking a match. In many communities, failing to do so could result in stiff penalties.

Interim Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis said in Houma, most fireworks products are illegal to use or even possess in Terrebonne Parish.

Those violating Houma’s fireworks law can be cited and issued stiff penalties, Duplantis said.

“Generally, fireworks cannot be considered safe, especially near children,” he said. When Houma Police receive reports that fireworks are being discharged in the city, Duplantis said officers will attempt to locate the violators. “Depending on the circumstances, the officer can issue a warning, a citation or arrest the person for being in possession of or igniting fireworks illegally,” he said.

Police will also confiscate the explosives as evidence or contraband.

The maximum penalty in Houma for illegally possessing or firing fireworks is up to 30 days in parish jail and a $500 fine.

Duplantis asks that any incident that results in a fire or injury be reported immediately. “We’re asking that all citizens cooperate in preventing injury and property damage by refraining from the use or possession of illegal fireworks,” he said.

In Lafourche Parish, bottle rockets or “skyrockets” are illegal.

According to Capt. Roy Gros of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the fireworks that are legal still have restrictions.

“They can not be popped near a church, hospital or nursing home,” he said. “Around those places, people want peace.”

“They also can’t be popped near a place where they are sold,” he added.

Fireworks stands began popping up in Lafourche Parish last week, when the July 4th window for sales of such products began. Parish residents can legally buy and pop fireworks through Saturday, July 5. However, Gros noted that there are restrictions on the times that fireworks can be fired.

“Today, they can be popped between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.,” he said. “The only two days they can be popped later is tomorrow and Friday (July 3 and 4). On those days they can be popped from 9 a.m. until 12 a.m.”

However, fireworks can only be used outside of the city limits. Residents living within any city limits are not allowed to pop fireworks.

Gros said anyone not following these rules is subject to a fine and possible arrest.

In Morgan City, it is unlawful for any person to sell or shoot fireworks of any type, according to Section 42-1 of the city code.

To report illegal firework activity, contact the Houma Police at (985) 873-6371, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 828-1960 or Thibodaux Police at (985) 446-5021.

People outside of the city limits can contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500 and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 449-2255.

Locals are also reminded that authorities will be out this Fourth of July holiday enforcing traffic laws and removing drunken drivers from the roadways.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, alcohol was a factor in nearly half of the vehicle fatalities over the July 4th holiday last year. In 2007, 13 people died and 912 were injured statewide in traffic wrecks over the holiday.

Because July 4 falls on a Friday, authorities said the roadways have the potential to be even more dangerous this year. Drivers are urged to be cautious, abide by the posted speeds and remain sober behind the wheel.

Delaina Moyers, 40, from Texas, places firecrackers on the shelf at a fireworks stand off Louisiana Highway 1 in Thibodaux. Fireworks can be legally sold in Lafourche Parish through Saturday. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER