Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees is urging residents to use caution and be respectful when it comes to using fireworks. He said the biggest thing is, if you are going to use fireworks, know your local ordinances, and use the fireworks properly. Know what they do and how they are supposed to be used. Don’t aim them at people, don’t tear them apart, and don’t make your own. He stressed you should be “considerate of those around you and cautious of those around you, because they don’t often go off as designed.”

He cautions also, that if you shoot off a fireworks and it lands on someone’s home or property, you are liable for damages and/or injuries. He recommends having a bucket of water handy in case there are mis-fires. McNees said there are areas in town where it is illegal to shoot-off fireworks. There is a 300-foot buffer around schools, the hospital and any assisted living facility. And there are certain hours when fireworks are allowed. Fireworks may be used from Noon until 10-p.m. Today (Tuesday), and from Noon until 11-p.m.,Wednesday. You’ll face hefty fines for setting them off outside those hours.  You are also only allowed to use fireworks on your own property, or property you have been given permission to use. That means no fireworks on City streets or property. That also includes the Atlantic Municipal Airport, during Wednesday night’s huge fireworks display. He said there were some issues last year with dangerous activity involving people bringing fireworks to the airport. McNees says this year’s fireworks show at the airport will be bigger and louder than before, in celebration of Atlantic’s sesquicentennial.

J&M Displays will be in charge of electronically shooting off the fireworks at the airport, with an extra special element at the end. For those wanting to come out to the airport for the display, McNees said there are restrictions on when you should arrive for the show. Parking will not be allowed before 8-p.m., Wednesday, and it is limited. The Display will begin after dusk, at around 9:45-p.m., or around 10-p.m.