By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Independence Day holiday is officially underway in Hays with Thursday's kickoff of the Wild West Fest, and the sale and discharge of fireworks Friday through Sunday.
Fireworks, except for skyrockets which are illegal in Kansas, may be sold and used from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. July 2-4 in Hays.
The Hays Fire Department most often responds to fireworks-related 911 calls when the discharged material has not been properly disposed, according to Chief Ryan Hagans.
"People improperly place them in a plastic container or sometimes even in a cardboard box," Hagans said.
"Always soak your spent fireworks in a metal container. Keep them 10 to 15 feet away from your house. And don't place them in the back of a vehicle in order to dispose of them.
Hagans and Don Scheibler, police chief, remind Hays residents of the laws regarding use of fireworks and how to do so safely.
