Staff reports 9:40 a.m.
Saturday, July 2, 2016 9:40 am

ROCHESTER - A lot of Rochester residents may not know it, but permissible fireworks are only allowed at certain times over the Independence Day weekend.

The city ordinance regarding fireworks notes that they are only allowed on Sunday and on the Fourth of July, both days beginning at 6 p.m.

"I would guess there are a substantial amount of people that aren't aware of that, so that's why we're trying to get the word out," Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau said on Friday.

Other than the 4^th of July weekend, fireworks are only allowed from 6-11 p.m. every Saturday in June and July, and from 6-10 p.m. on Saturdays from August through May.

Exceptions to that are Labor Day (6 p.m.-midnight) and New Year's Eve (6 p.m.-1 a.m.).

Fireworks on both Sunday and Monday this weekend are allowed till midnight.

Other requirements for lawful setting off of fireworks include being at least 50 feet from nearby buildings, trees and electrical wires and that any debris field must be contained within the property line where the ignition originates.

Also, high or extreme danger fire days as determined by the Fire Chief or the state Division of Forests and Lands can also cause all firework displays to be prohibited.