Many Fourth of July celebrations come with flashing sparklers, screeching bottle rockets and other fireworks that fill the skies with booms and bursts. 

But as America’s 240th birthday approaches, authorities are reminding those celebrating to stay safe and abide by some common-sense rules. 

“We want folks to enjoy their fireworks, but stay within the limits of the law,” said Bowling Green Police Department spokesman Officer Ronnie Ward. 

That means complying with local firework ordinances. Fireworks are only permitted in the city limits between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. from June 27 to July 3, along with July 5. When it comes to Independence Day, the city ordinance allows fireworks between noon and 11 p.m. 

“The ordinance is in place for safety,” said Kim Lancaster, a public information officer for the city of Bowling Green.

More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day. Fireworks spark most of those fires, which is why the city and county have rules controlling their use. 

Fireworks are already available for purchase at multiple locations in the city.

Under the city’s ordinance, fireworks are defined as any device “for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation” and suitable for use by the public. 

Fireworks must be ignited 200 feet away from any structure, vehicle or any other person in the city and the county. They also cannot be sold or given to anyone under 18 years old. 

Those who break the rules can be asked to pay a fine, according to the city ordinance. 

Outside the city limits, fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 27 to July 3 and July 5 and July 6. On July 4, they can be used between 10 a.m. and midnight. 

The Glasgow Police Department is also asking for the public’s cooperation. During this time of year, the department sees firework nuisance complaints increase “dramatically,” according to a news release. 

Within Glasgow’s city limits, fireworks can be used between noon and 10 p.m. Saturday through July 3 and  July 5 through July 7. Only July 4, they’re allowed between the hours of noon and 11 p.m. They can also be used between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve/Day.

“We’re just hoping that people will voluntarily abide those rules,” GPD Capt. Tony Morgan said. 

You really don’t have to set off your own fireworks with major public displays planned including July 1 at the National Corvette Museum, July 3 at Nolin Lake and Cave City’s Jellystone Park and July 4 at Barren River Lake and in Morgantown at the Green River Catfish Festival.

— Follow reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @aaron_muddbgdn or visit bgdailynews.com.