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City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 keidsness@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Use Caution this Fourth of July
Edina, Minn., June 23, 2016 – In an attempt to keep fireworks-related injuries at a minimum, the Edina
Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department reminds residents of Minnesota’s fireworks laws and discourages the
use of illegal consumer fireworks.
“Every year on July 4, thousands of people -- most often kids and teenagers -- are injured while using
fireworks,” said Fire Marshal Jeff Siems. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display
conducted by trained professionals.”
In Minnesota, it is against the law to buy, sell or possess any fireworks that are explosive and/or fly through
the air. This includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, missile rockets, aerial spinners, Roman Candles, artillery
shells and parachutes.
Violating this law can result in up to one year in jail or fines up to $3,000, depending on the amount of
fireworks in possession. The Edina Fire-Rescue & Inspections and Police departments will respond to
complaints and confiscate all illegal fireworks.
Fireworks that are legal in Minnesota include wire or wood sparklers and other non-explosive and non-aerial
sparkling items like cylindrical and cone fountains, ground spinners, strobes and novelty items like snakes,
glow worms, smoke devices, party poppers and snappers.
Residents using legal fireworks should adhere to these safety guidelines:
Read, understand and follow all instructions.
Keep fireworks away from small children and do not let children use fireworks unsupervised.
Choose a safe place that is a good distance from anything that could start on fire or be damaged.
Keep lit cigarettes, cigars and pipes away from where fireworks are stored.
Never light fireworks inside another container like a bottle or can.
Never throw fireworks at another person or point them toward a building.
Light one firework at a time, then move away quickly.
If a firework has ignited, but failed to go off, stay away for several minutes to be sure it is a “dud.”
Soak it in water before handling it. Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
Do not attempt to alter fireworks. Federal law prohibits making one’s own fireworks.
For more information on fireworks laws and safety, call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0339.
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City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424