Shreveport Fire & Police Reiterate Fireworks Ban Enforcement, Penalty For Violators

The Shreveport Police and Fire Department’s Prevention Division announced plans to enforce the ban on the sale and discharge of Consumer 1.4 g Class C fireworks within the City of Shreveport. 

The decision was made ban consumer fireworks because of unprecedented drought conditions.  All citizens and visitors are strongly urged to comply with the requirements of the ban until notified otherwise by local authorities.    

Local authorities restate “this ban does not effect Commercial 1.3 g firework displays such as the RiverBlast – 4^th of July Fireworks Festival on Red River @ RiverView Park and Festival Plaza, or the Shreveport Captains fireworks shows – on July 2^nd .”    Both agencies are encouraging everyone to have a happy and safe 4^th of July holiday by attending one of the family friendly firework displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians.

Penalty for Violating Fireworks Ban: 

The penalty for violating the sale and discharge of Consumer 1.4 g Class C fireworks:

Sec. 1-14. - General penalty; continuing violations; aiding or abetting violations. (a)

Whenever in this Code or in any ordinance of the city an act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense or a misdemeanor, or wherever in such Code or ordinance the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful, where no specific penalty is provided therefore, the violation of any such provision of this Code or of any such ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding $500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day any violation of this Code or of any ordinance shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. (b) Any person who shall aid, abet or assist in the violation of any provision of this Code or any other ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of this section. 

The authority to enforce Fireworks Ban:  

 The City of Shreveport adopted by resolution the use of the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 1 Fire Code. This is the same code used by the state.

Chapter 1 Administration 

1.1.1 The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  (8) Hazards from outside fires in vegetation, trash, building debris, and other materials 

1.12.1 The AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) shall be authorized to establish and issue permits, certificates, and approvals pertaining to conditions, operations, or materials hazardous to life and property pursuant to Section 1.12 

1.12.5.5 A permit issued under this Code shall continue until revoked or for the period of time designated on the permit.  

1.7.3 Interpretations

1.7.3.1 The AHJ is authorized to render interpretations of this Code and to make and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to carry out the application and intent of its provisions.

1.7.3.4 Enforcement Assistance.  Police and other enforcement agencies shall have the authority to render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this code when requested to do so by the AHJ.    

Note:  That while we will most definitely enforce any ban on fireworks, our enforcement actions, as always, will be tempered by common sense and discretion and that we would urge citizens to join with us in complying with the orders to adhere to the ban so as to keep our city safe.