It will now be illegal to own or use fireworks in Eufaula

Your New Years Eve celebrations will have to be fireworks-free this year - at least if you live in Eufaula, Ala.

The city recently passed an ordinance to add additional prohibitions to the use of fireworks. It will now be illegal to own or use fireworks anywhere in the city of Eufuala, beginning Friday, Dec. 22.

Ordinance 2017-11 was passed, amending Section 42-41 of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance reads:

"The possession, firing, or exploding in the city limits of fireworks, firecrackers, roman candles, bombs, torpedoes, and any and all other devices or instruments of like kind and description is hereby prohibited ... Fireworks used, possessed, displayed or sold in violation of this section shall be subject to seizure and destruction..."



Fireworks will be allowed only in public displays or during special events held with the supervision and permission of the fire department and approved by the city council and mayor, the ordinance reads.

In the code, the city says the prohibition is necessary for "the preservation of the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Eufaula as well as the general public."

On Facebook, the Eufuala Police Department said the maximum fine could not exceed $500, and said drivers passing through the city who are stopped will usually not be cited unless there are "exigent circumstances." The department also said that individual permits for private use may be issued by the Eufuala Fire Department on a case-by-case basis.

This story was originally published December 21, 2017 at 6:57 AM with the headline "It will now be illegal to own or use fireworks in Eufaula."