July 1, 2020
For immediate release

Personal fireworks prohibited in Johnson City, ordinance to be enforced

The Johnson City Police Department is reminding community members that all fireworks are illegal inside City limits. This includes fireworks that may be legal to purchase in other cities or counties. The City of Johnson City Police Department will have extra officers working on the Fourth of July, and these officers will be looking for fireworks violations.

“Across the country, amateur fireworks, including sparklers, cause millions of dollars annually in property damage, and result in many injuries,” said Johnson City Police Chief Karl Turner. “Fireworks set off in residential neighborhoods can trigger flashbacks for veterans and gun violence survivors experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. The noise also creates panic for many animals who often runaway during fireworks displays.”

JCPD is asking for the community’s cooperation in keeping this Fourth of July holiday a safe one, by not possessing or using any fireworks in the City of Johnson City. Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report instances of illegal fireworks.

“We ask all citizens to abide by the ordinance to help ensure everyone’s well-being and prevent property damage,” Turner said.

Ordinance 11-139 in Johnson City Municipal Code states:

(1)  It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale, or keep in stock, or give away, within the city, or one (1) mile thereof, any firecracker, cannon cracker, torpedo, Roman candle, sky rocket, pin wheel or any fireworks of any nature whatsoever, or any toy pistol or toy cannon, discharged by percussion caps by percussion caps and gunpowder or other means.

(2)  No person shall sell, possess or use fireworks of any description within the city; provided, that this section shall not apply to wholesale dealers and jobbers who may possess fireworks for sale to merchants; provided, further, that this section shall not apply to fairs, shows and exhibitors who desire to give fireworks displays for the amusement of the public; provided, that such displays shall be given under the joint supervision of the exhibitor and the city police department so as to protect the health and welfare of the public, but no such fireworks display shall be given without a permit from the city recorder.

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