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As the Fourth of July rolls around and festivities begin, the LaGrange Police Department reminds the city of LaGrange about a few of the legalities involving fireworks, rockets and sparklers.

According to LaGrange’s code of ordinances, section 35-1-19 number 13, fireworks are not allowed to be ignited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 p.m. This rule is flexible only on the dates of Jan. 1, the last Saturday and Sunday in May, July 3, July 4, the first Monday in September and Dec. 31.

Considering these exceptions to the city ordinance, fireworks are allowed to be set off after the time of 10 a.m., and they are allowed to continue to be ignited until 11:59 pm.

Jessica Tomlinson, patrol officer at the LaGrange Police Department, explained the importance of knowing when the appropriate time for shooting off fireworks is according to what is written in the city ordinance.

According to the LaGrange Police Department, there are several calls around the Fourth of July where people mistake fireworks for gunshots. Along with these calls, the department also receives several noise complaints.

In instances on the Fourth where a call is placed involving gunshots, police will patrol the area to make sure everything is safe, but most of the time these calls are just false alarms.

“We receive a lot of calls around the Fourth of July. A lot of people think that shots are being fired, but they are really just fireworks,” Tomlinson said. “We still go check out the area, but there are usually just neighbors igniting fireworks.”

According to state law, it is illegal to use fireworks within 100 yards of any of the following: electric plants, water treatment plant, waste-water treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail or prison, helipad, hospital, nursing home, other health care facilities, within any park, historic site, recreational area, or other state property, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A person must also be at least 18 years old to purchase fireworks.