Oklahomans are gearing up for the Fourth of July — our nation’s 250th — meaning fireworks season is here. This year, there’s a new state law that legalizes some previously banned fireworks, but the devil is in the details.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1948, also known as the Rocket’s Red Glare Act. It legalizes year-round fireworks sales and relaxes restrictions on certain items, like bottle rockets.
But the new state law doesn’t supersede city ordinance, meaning fireworks are still illegal in Tulsa.
The Tulsa Fire Department has a reminder for the public: city limits remain a zero-tolerance zone.
“It’s important to remember that fireworks are illegal to possess or use within Tulsa city limits,” reads the department’s June 3 statement. “For those celebrating outside city limits, in counties where fireworks may be permitted, please put safety first. Every year, fireworks cause preventable injuries, structure fires, grass fires, and vehicle fires.”
Here is what you can and can’t do and where you can enjoy your own personal fireworks under current state and local laws.
No fireworks allowed in Tulsa or Owasso
Tulsa’s Fire Prevention Code, Title 14 says it is “unlawful and a misdemeanor offense” for any person to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle or use any fireworks within the city limits of Tulsa.
The use of fireworks in Tulsa city limits have been prohibited for decades. The fire code prohibits fireworks in this language.
“It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor offense for any person to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle or use any fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of Tulsa, without first having procured an operational permit from the fire code official, as required by Section 5601.2 of this code,” the code says.
City ordinances also ban the sale and use of fireworks in Owasso.
Where can fireworks be used?
While Tulsa won’t allow you to use or sell fireworks, some neighboring cities will.
Fireworks permits are required in Bixby, Jenks and Sapulpa. In Bixby, permits are available at fireworks stands and the city’s municipal building for $20. With a permit, residents are allowed to discharge fireworks July 3 and 4 between the hours of 3 and 11 p.m.
In Jenks, $20 permits are available at fireworks stands and allow people to discharge fireworks July 3 and 4 between noon and 11 p.m. The city charges $50 for a group of neighbors who want to shoot fireworks together.
Sapulpa residents must purchase $25 permits from city hall. Fireworks can be discharged with a permit between July 3 and 5 from noon to midnight.
No permits are required in Broken Arrow, Glenpool or Sand Springs, but there are restrictions. In Broken Arrow, fireworks are only allowed July 3 and 4 between 3 and 11 p.m. Fines are issued for fireworks used outside of those hours.
Glenpool recently removed its fireworks permit requirement. Fireworks may now be used within city limits July 3 and 4 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., no fee required.
Sand Springs no longer requires permits for fireworks discharged within city limits. Use is allowed July 3 from 6 to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
