Fireworks Information

Section 210.580 Fireworks — Sale, Use or Storage.
A. It shall be unlawful to store, discharge, or use any fireworks or pyrotechnics in the City of Willard except as herein provided.

B. Unless a burn ban is in effect, the discharge and use of fireworks by the general public is permitted inside the City limits of Willard for the following dates:

  • July 4 from 12:00 P.M. through July 5 to 12:30 A.M.

  • December 31 from 2:00 P.M. through January 1 to 12:30 A.M.

  • During the Freedom Fest Celebration or when authorized by the City of Willard in conjunction with City-sponsored events.

However, the discharge and use of fireworks must be done safely, and any complaint that details hazardous activities, malicious conduct or any act in conflict with City ordinances, State or Federal laws may result in the seizure of fireworks and/or prosecution in accordance with applicable law. Additionally, anyone under the age of seventeen (17) must be supervised by a parent or adult when handling, discharging, or assisting in the discharge of fireworks.
The possession, discharge, or use of fireworks is limited to consumer fireworks known as 1.4G (formerly known as Class C), except as provided in Subsection (C) set forth below.
It shall be unlawful to possess, discharge, or use fireworks at any of the City parks or on public property, except as provided in Subsection (C) set forth below.

C. It shall be lawful to store or use fireworks and pyrotechnics in the City of Willard in connection with a public exhibition of fireworks or pyrotechnics only after a permit for public exhibition of fireworks and pyrotechnics has been granted. A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) shall be paid.
An application for a permit to hold a public exhibition of fireworks and pyrotechnics shall be made to the Mayor twenty (20) days prior to the proposed exhibition. The application shall describe the following:

  • 1. The place, date, starting time and ending time of the proposed exhibition.

  • 2. The price to be charged, if any.

  • 3. The distance the general public shall be away from the place of ignition.

  • 4. The number of fire prevention guards and types of extinguishing devices to be available.

  • 5. A description of the amount and type of fireworks and pyrotechnics to be used.

  • The permit shall be granted by the Mayor, who may consult with the Fire Marshal, only if the exhibition is to be conducted under such conditions as to keep persons and property reasonably safe from injury and as to not unreasonably disturb the peace of the community.

D. It shall be lawful to sell or offer for sale fireworks within the City of Willard in accordance with the following regulations and fireworks stand requirements:

  • Persons operating temporary fireworks stands are temporary use vendors pursuant to Section 400.530.

  • Smoking or open flame is not allowed within twenty (20) feet of a fireworks stand and all fireworks stands shall display signs, with letters being at least four (4) inches in height, reading "FIREWORKS FOR SALE — NO SMOKING ALLOWED".

  • Fireworks stands shall display at least one (1) sign which reads as follows, with letters being at least four (4) inches in height, "NO FIREWORKS DISCHARGED WITHIN 100 FEET".

  • Exit signs are required to be illuminated.

  • All the area within and adjacent to tents or stands shall be maintained clear of grass, shavings or any combustible materials.

  • Fireworks stands must have a minimum aisle width forty-eight (48) inches, kept free and unobstructed at all times.

  • Fireworks stands must have a minimum exit way of seventy-two (72) inches, and a minimum of two (2) exits are required. Exits shall be remote from each other.

  • Portable fire extinguishing equipment must be kept on premises at all times. A minimum of two (2) are required with one (1) being water pressurized.

  • Electrical cords from the meter to the tent must be 12-2 with ground exterior wire.

  • All circuits entering the stand shall be protected by a GFI breaker.

  • All wiring is required to be out of reach or buried.

  • Light fixtures are required to have bulbs placed in all sockets. Interior lighting cannot be placed directly over the sales counters. Exterior lighting must be designed for exterior use.

  • Fireworks stands must be located outside of electrical easements and at least fifteen (15) feet from any overhead utility lines.

  • All fireworks stands must be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any use involving sale or storage of gasoline, LP gas or any combustible product.

  • A certificate shall be required by an organization or laboratory of recognized standing or manufacturer verifying that the tent fabric material has been treated with a flame-resistant material.

  • No motor vehicle parking within ten (10) feet of fireworks stand location.

  • Hours of operation shall be June 20 — July 2, 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., and July 3 — 4, 6:00 A.M. to 12:00 Midnight.


E. The penalty for the violation of any part of this Section is a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or a term in jail of not more than ninety (90) days, or both such fine and jail sentence.
The Willard Police Department shall seize, take, remove or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all stocks of fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored or held in violation of this Article.