Think before you light

Tri-parish residents will have limited opportunities to legally shoot off fireworks this Fourth of July week.

In Lafourche Parish, Class C, or “common” fireworks can be bought and sold through Sunday. Those fireworks include Roman candles, sky rockets, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, wheels, illuminating torches, sparklers, dipped stocks, mines and shells, firecrackers, salutes, and domestic or imported whistles.

Residents can discharge approved fireworks from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, hours are extended until midnight.

“We understand that fireworks are as American as apple pie, but there are also guidelines people who sell and buy them must follow,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “Our deputies will visit every fireworks stand in this parish to ensure they have the proper permits and fully understand what fireworks are legal and illegal in Lafourche.”

Unlicensed vendors can receive a $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail or both. Anyone found discharging anything other than Class C fireworks faces up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine or both.

It is illegal to buy, sell or set off fireworks in St. Mary Parish except on the Chitimacha Indian Reservation.

The federal territory in the northern part of St. Mary is not subject to the parish ordinance.

Violators could get up to a $100 fine, 30 days in jail or both.

Terrebonne is one of five parishes in Louisiana where fireworks are totally illegal to possess, sell or shoot off.

Violators will be charged with a standard misdemeanor and face up to a $500 fine, 30 days in jail or both.

Interim Houma Police Department Chief Todd Duplantis said officers may warn, cite, or arrest anyone possessing or igniting fireworks, depending on the circumstances. Officers may also confiscate illegal fireworks as evidence.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office will deploy extra deputies on patrol over the weekend.

“We’re going to bring in our part-timers to assist us with these complaints from the late-night fireworks,” said TPSO Maj. Malcolm Wolfe. “On the Fourth of July, we’ll probably handle 35 to 40 calls.”

Law enforcement agencies ask for all citizens to cooperate in preventing injuries and property damage by refraining from the use or possession of illegal fireworks.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages families to attend only professional, public fireworks displays this holiday season.

“Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment – these are all too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use,” said Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning in a statement. “Safe fireworks don’t exist.”

For those still willing to shoot off fireworks, the Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following safety suggestions:

• Always read and follow the label directions carefully.

• Always have a garden hose or water bucket nearby for medical emergencies and/or to douse spent or misfired fireworks.

• Adults should always supervise fireworks activity.

• Fireworks should be placed on a hard, smooth surface prior to ignition. Never light fireworks in your hand.

• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings

• Keep fireworks away from small children.

• Do not alter or make your own fireworks.

• After displays, never pick up fireworks that may be left over. Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury, as they may still be active. Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks rather than picking up smoking or charred fireworks themselves.