People already started purchasing bottle rockets, Roman candles and sparklers for their Fourth-of-July celebrations.
Mike Wilson, Warsaw Fire Department inspections chief, has worked the last two weeks with an inspector from the state fire marshal's office making sure local buildings where fireworks are being sold in Warsaw meet state fire safety standards.
"It is necessary to do these inspections for people's safety, and to make sure the buildings are in compliance with state building and fire code guidelines," Wilson said.
Inspections are conducted periodically throughout the year in the city and before July 4.
He said the inspections include making sure the building's fire alarm systems work, and sprinkler systems are present. Another requirement includes no smoking signs being posted in the areas where fireworks are sold or above entrance doors.
He said the buildings also are checked for combustible materials in storage areas and entry ways, and checked to make sure emergency and exit lights are working.
Wilson worked with the inspector to assess seven Warsaw locations where fireworks are being sold.
The locations included Kmart; Wal-Mart; Celebrations Fireworks, East Center Street; Speed Rocket, East Winona Avenue; Big Boom, Lake Village Shopping Court; Freebies, Frontage Road; and Marsh Supermarket. Wilson said all locations met safety compliance regulations.
By law, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to purchase fireworks. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult when setting off fireworks.
Fireworks must only be used on the user's property, or on a property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks on their property, according to state law.
Hours for firework usage in Indiana are between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on days other than holidays. Fireworks are allowed to be set off July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Wilson said it is important for people to have a plan before setting off fireworks.
He said people need to remember fireworks are fire. They need to be kept away from combustible materials around the home like trash, trash cans and dumpsters.
Wilson also advised that when using sparklers, people should have a bucket of sand or water to put discarded wires.
He also advised people to not touch containers that emit firework sparks after use because they may still be hot.
Wilson also advised people using fireworks on lakes to be cautious.
"Boats are made of combustible products, including fiberglass, wood and cloth materials on seats," Wilson said.
