Ellsworth celebrates Independence Day safely

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affiars
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.-- --  Independence Day can be full of oohs and aahs as Americans throughout the nation watch fireworks burst in the sky, creating memories with families and friends, but also causing several potential safety hazards.

Before including fireworks in festivities, people should know they are illegal to possess, handle, store or use on base and several other areas around the Black Hills.

The Department of Public Safety, in accordance with state law, allows the purchase of fireworks from June 27 until July 5, and discharge of fireworks until July 6. Everyone should follow guidelines and read instructions prior to igniting fireworks to avoid any unexpected mishaps.

It is important that Airmen planning on handling fireworks understand that even the legal ones have potential to injure and cause fire hazards. Safety officials suggest keeping water on hand to extinguish fires.

Areas where fireworks are prohibited include lands south of Interstate 90, west of South Dakota Route 79, north of Cheyenne River and all lands surrounding of South Dakota municipalities. The ban on fireworks also applies to all state, federal and privately owned lands.

Additionally, fireworks are prohibited within Rapid City and within one mile of city limits, with the exception of novelty fireworks, including party poppers, snappers, toy caps and sparklers.

Fireworks are allowed in Box Elder on private property July 3 through 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Fireworks displays are scheduled for July 4 in Hot Springs, Lead, Custer, Interior and Sturgis, S.D. Belle Fourche and Box Elder the following day.

To avoid mishaps during the holiday, officials highly encourage safety while using fireworks.

For more information on fireworks safety, call the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention office at (605) 385-1113. To get the latest info and updates on local fireworks events, call the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 343-1744.