Submit your fireworks question to Topeka Fire Department Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski
June 27, 2008
From understanding why some fireworks are illegal to easy ways to keep children safe this Independence Day, a variety of questions is expected for this chat with Topeka Fire Department’s Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinkski. Submit your question early to ensure we will get to it. Then, log back on at 11:30 Friday to see the chat live on ktka.com.
Remember, Friday is the first day you can purchase fireworks within the city of Topeka. We've posted a list of where you can find Topeka's fireworks stands. Find it by tapping into this story.
Note: We initially had booked Sr. Fire Marshal Greg Bailey, but at his urging we changed to have Vicki Zielinski as our guest. She is who he turns to for all things fireworks, he said, a kinda expert's expert, so we are happy to have her.
Moderator: Hello my name is Lindsey Elliott. With fireworks stands popping up around Topeka, it is important to keep in mind what is legal and how to keep safe during the holiday. We welcome Topeka Fire Department Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski to answer all your questions. If you have any questions, feel free to submit them during this live chat.
oread: Are there any noise ordinances I should be aware of, or certain times after which citizens cannot light fireworks that make noise?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: Yes there are. Fireworks can be discharged between 8 am to 9 pm on the following days, June 27, 28,29,30, July 1 and 5, and between 8am to 11 pm on July 2,3,and 4.
Moderator: Are there any fireworks that are illegal in Topeka or places where you cannot shoot fireworks?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: Yes. Bottle rockets are illegal in the state of Kansas and the City of Topeka. Also prohibited in the city of Topeka is the sale of metal sparklers. It is also illegal to shoot fireworks on or under a vehicle, on any public roadway, at another person, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, within 50 feet of a gas station or where and liquid gas or propane is stored.
JayJay: Some states ban fireworks all together, while others allow only sparklers and novelty fireworks. What are Kansas' limits on consumer fireworks and how do you think a complete ban on consumer fireworks would go over with the community?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: The state of Kansas allows consumer fireworks to be sold that are not illegal or prohibited by state statute, however several cities have their own specific requirements on what can be sold, discharged, not sold or banned all together. As for your last question I cannot speak for the community.
jbrand: Are you in favor of banning the sale of fireworks in the state of Kansas?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: This is a very interesting question but there are several communities that make up the state and I cannot speak on their behalf.
JayJay: Have you heard of Topeka police busting local fireworks stands for selling illegal fireworks in recent years? Is that a problem? Or is people buying them in other states and bringing them into Topeka more of a problem?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: I have not heard of the Topeka Police Department "busting" fireworks stands, at least those located in the city. We do not address the fireworks stands that are located in the county. Within the city there are no problems with illegal fireworks as all the stands are inspected by the Topeka Fire Department prior to sales being allowed. Anything that might be prohibited by Topeka City Code or State Statute are removed from the stand. Some of the problems with the random incidents of bottle rockets appears to be a result of being purchased in a different state and being brought into Kansas. In addition there are occassions that metal sparklers are being purchased elsewhere and brought into the city.
chaseme81298: why are metal sparklers prohibited?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: Typically parents will give these to smaller children believing that they are safe for them. The wires on the sparklers reach temperatures of 1600 degrees and smaller children will often drop the sparklers on the ground, step on them and end up with a very bad burn. For the safety of our younger children the City of Topeka prohibits the sale of metal sparklers.
Moderator: What safety tips should people keep in mind?
TFD Fire Inspector Vicki Zielinski: There are many that will keep yourself, children and friends safe. 1. Always have adult supervision when children are igniting fireworks. An adult should be present with the child at all times. 2. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. 3. Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water available when igniting fireworks. 4. Never lean over fireworks when igniting them. There is a possibility that they may go off sooner that you thought. 5. If a firework does not discharge wait for 15 minutes and then place the device in a bucket of water for disposal. 6. Always ignite fireworks on a hard surface, to prevent the item from tipping over and possibily resulting in an injury or accidental fire. 7. Never throw fireworks at animals. This can cause harm to the animal or yourself if the animal should become aggressive. 8. Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. 9. Always have a designated person who will ignite your fireworks. 10. Safety and common sense will go a long way in helping you enjoy your holiiday fireworks.
Moderator: That is all the time we have today. Thank you for your questions and thank you Vicki for joining us. For additional information go to www.topeka.org and click on the fireworks information.
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