BY JOHN REED LEADER EDITOR
Step outside any evening and you're likely to hear booming and crackling from fireworks.
If you live in the city of Knox, or in North Judson and Hamlet, don't be the person setting off those fireworks. You could find yourself paying a fine.

Setting of fireworks is prohibited in Knox, North Judson and Hamlet except for the following periods:
• Between the hours of 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29 and 30, July 1 to 3 and July 5 to 9.
• Fireworks can also be set off between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4 and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
All local governing bodies in Starke County have set a fee schedule for any fireworks ordinance violations.
“Hoosiers need to remember that restrictions are in place regarding the use of fireworks, as well as the possible penalties for violations,” said Jim Greeson, State Fire Marshal. “We want to stress the personal responsibility of each fireworks consumer. Obey our laws, follow directions for safe use and apply common sense.”
Fireworks law provisions:
• Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.
• Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.
• Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person’s death.
• Outside Knox, North Judson and Hamlet, fireworks can be discharged on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight. Any other day of the year, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Local laws may further affect fireworks use.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fire & Building Safety Division, recommends Hoosiers check the fireworks they purchase to ensure they contain the following information:
They should be listed as Class “C”, should be labeled Consumer Fireworks and should read 1.4 grams.
“If you find a package that you cannot read because it is in a foreign language, if it says Class ‘B’ fireworks, or 1.3 g, we strongly encourage you to call the Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline (800-638-2772),” Greeson said.
If you would like more information on fireworks or the IDHS Building Safety Division, go to www.in.gov/dhs.