Staff reports 10:34 a.m.
Saturday, June 19, 2021 10:35 am

Fireworks displays are only allowed in the city by those who have obtained a permit. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - With the arrival of nicer weather, summer approaching, and after having received more than a dozen fireworks complaints over the last couple weeks, Rochester Police are taking the opportunity today to remind residents that use of fireworks in the City is prohibited under City Ordinance, with very limited exceptions.

In a press release from Rochester Police, Public Information Officer Capt. Todd Pinkham noted, "Under Rochester City Ordinance Chapter 75, no display of permissible fireworks shall be permitted within the city except between the hours of 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the following holiday: Fourth of July, including the evening of July 3 beginning at 6 p.m. (including from such time until 12 midnight on any rain date established for the annual city-wide fireworks display)."

Fireworks are only allowed after obtaining a $5 permit from the city, Pinkham added.

So far this month several people have already been summonsed, which can carry up to a $100 fine.

n 2017 when the ordinance took effect, police responded to 72 fireworks complaints and summonsed 14 during the four-day 4th of July weekend. On July 4 they saw 11 calls in a single hour.

The complete City Ordinance, Chapter 75: Fires and Fire Safety, can be accessed utilizing the following link: https://www.ecode360.com/32272629 or on the Rochester Police Department's Website, https://rochesterpd.org/ or https://rochesterpd.org/links/