KPD e-News Release: Fireworks are Illegal in the City of Kingsport—Even on Independence Day

	Kingsport Police Department Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Fireworks are Illegal in the City of Kingsport—Even on Independence Day
DATE:		June 26, 2023

GENERAL NARRATIVE
The following is a reminder to area citizens that not only are fireworks potentially dangerous, but they are also illegal inside the city limits of Kingsport, EVEN ON INDEPENDENCE DAY. When reporting fireworks disturbances, please DO NOT CALL 911, unless the fireworks have created an actual emergency, such as a fire or serious injury. Fireworks disturbances should be reported by calling the non-emergency number for Kingsport Central Dispatch which is 423-246-9111. The Kingsport Police Department strongly recommends leaving fireworks to trained and licensed professionals and encourages citizens to instead enjoy an officially sanctioned fireworks show. Violations of the City of Kingsport Fireworks Ordinance are subject to a penalty of $123.75 for each count, to include the fine and associated court costs. See below for the Ordinance itself: *City of Kingsport Ordinance 42-112* (a) For the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and residents of the city, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, use, discharge, possess with the intent to discharge, or offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or keep with intent to sell at retail, fireworks in the city. Please consider the following opportunity for your safe and legal fireworks viewing pleasure: · Saturday, July 1, 2023: Kingsport’s Red White and Boom Independence Day Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Kingsport. A fireworks display will immediately follow the concert. For further information, please visit: https://visitkingsport.com/redwhiteboom/