Fireworks illegal in Oak Ridge

It is illegal to set off fireworks in Oak Ridge or even have them, city officials said Thursday, a week before July 4.

The Oak Ridge Police Department can arrest anyone who has fireworks or sets them off, a city press release said.

“As everyone knows, fireworks are fun to watch, but can be dangerous,” Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said in a press release. “We do not want anyone to put themselves or others in harm’s way.”

The press release said the Police Department will increase patrol operations for the July 4 holiday weekend to watch for drunk drivers and prohibited fireworks.

“The Oak Ridge police and fire departments appreciate everyone’s cooperation in making Independence Day enjoyable and safe,” Akagi said.

He said prohibited fireworks include anything that is combustible or explodes. Smoke bombs and sparklers are okay, Akagi said.

The City of Oak Ridge will have its Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at A.K. Bissell Park at 10 p.m. July 4.

For more information about fireworks in the city, call (865) 425- 3504.

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Pat Fain

is this targeted to individuals only or do we cancel the big show?
- http://johnhuotari.com John Huotari
  
  The press release says: “It is illegal for the general public to discharge fireworks.” The show is still scheduled. I’ve called to find out the definition of fireworks. I didn’t know, for example, if sparklers or smoke bombs are banned. I assume things like firecrackers and M-80s, etc., are.
http://johnhuotari.com John Huotari

Pat, I’ve updated the story with a little info on what is allowed, e.g., smoke bombs and sparklers, and what isn’t, e.g., anything that explodes.
kay williamson

anything that moves, makes a sound, or is not dead is illegal in OAK RIDGE,