As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the Bureau of Police wishes to remind all of our community partners and residents of this great city of the laws and local ordinances regarding Fireworks. 

Fireworks are a hazard to all. Statistics show that 25% of victims of firework-related accidents are not the individual who set off the fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks used by consumers cause an average of 18,500 fires annually, resulting in $43 million in property damage. Lancaster City’s dense population and 19^th and 20^th century building construction combined with consumer grade fireworks is a recipe for disaster. 

Both City ordinance and state law restrict the use of fireworks on public property or within 150 feet of an occupied structure. The density of Lancaster city leaves few, if any, places where fireworks can be used legally. Regardless, there has been an alarming uptick in the number of calls regarding the illegal use of fireworks.

Officers working through this holiday weekend will bring appropriate citations and charges against any persons found using illegal fireworks within the city limits. Please help us keep our city safe!