Daniel Gunderson plans on playing it safe this weekend.
The Winona, Minn., native, who bought nearly $400 in fireworks Tuesday in Fargo, said there's one reason he will strictly follow safety precautions at a family Independence Day party.
"If someone were to get hurt, it would ruin the whole night," Gunderson said.
Area police would rest easier in the next several days if more people followed Gunderson's lead.
"The easy solution to the whole thing would be to outlaw the sale of fireworks, but it's a national tradition. To completely outlaw selling them would be a tough sell," said West Fargo Police Capt. Mike Reitan.
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Laws concerning fireworks differ in Minnesota and North Dakota.
North Dakota law allows venders to sell or residents to own and use most types of the popular explosives for nine days each year, from June 27 to July 5. However, state law doesn't prohibit North Dakota vendors from selling fireworks to out-of-state residents at other times.
City ordinances in Fargo and West Fargo outlaw fireworks in city limits.
Minnesota law allows only the tamest pyrotechnics. All items that shoot into the air or explode, including bottle rockets and roman candles, are illegal. Devices that emit sparks are generally allowed.
Police officials said officers have some discretion when responding to complaints about fireworks, the bulk of which come on or around July 4.
Those caught with illegal explosives may face a misdemeanor citation, have their fireworks confiscated or simply be issued a warning.
The emphasis is on safety and every situation is different, said Fargo Police Sgt. Pat Claus.
"We don't enforce laws simply for the law's sake," he said.
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Many in Moorhead claim they do not know about fireworks regulations, especially since state law - once a flat prohibition - was loosened three years ago to allow some fireworks, said Deputy Police Chief Wayne Arnold.
"In Minnesota, it's become kind of confusing," he said. "Our main concern is that nobody is injured."
That's also the concern of Drew Knutson, manager of TNT Fireworks at 4301 40th Ave. N. in Fargo.
The store, open for about a month each summer, gives customers a safety brochure with every purchase.
"The basic thing is common sense," Knutson said.
Some key safety tips:
- Adults only.
- Only light fireworks on a hard, level surface.
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- Keep about 40 feet away from fountains and 100 yards away from aerial rockets.
- Light fuses on the tip with a punk - a device used to set off fireworks - while wearing eye protection.
- Keep plenty of water around.
- If it's a dud, wait several minutes before dousing it.
- Don't hold fireworks in your hand and don't put your head over them.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Roepke at (701) 241-5535
