Hopkinsville has a fireworks ordinance — here’s what it allows and doesn’t

The seven days of the year when fireworks may be discharged are July 1 to 5, and on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The city of Hopkinsville has a fireworks ordinance, and local officials are urging residents to be aware of what’s allowed and what’s not. 

Fireworks may be used only between 10 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. from July 1 to 5 and then on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

sparkler fireworks
(Pixabay stock image)

The city ordinance also restricts the sale of fireworks to people who are at least 18 years old.

Other restrictions are outlined in a Hopkinsville Fire Department Facebook post, which says fireworks:

  • May not be ignited within 200 feet of any structure, vehicle or person. 
  • May not be ignited or discharged from or toward a motor vehicle. 
  • May not be discharged on another person’s property without consent. 
  • May not be discharged on public property. 

During Tuesday’s meeting of Hopkinsville City Council, Mayor James R. Knight Jr. said he has been getting numerous calls from residents complaining about fireworks. He asked residents to restrict use to the days that the city ordinance allows. 

Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.