In keeping with the new state law that gives local governmental units the right to restrict fireworks, the Porter County Commissioners on Tuesday limited fireworks in the unincorporated areas.

The county’s hours restricting the use, ignition and discharge of fireworks mirror the model ordinance prepared by the state and are the same as the restrictions recently passed by several other entities, including Chesterton, Burns Harbor, Dune Acres, Ogden Dunes, Kouts, Lake County, and Portage.

The ordinance states that consumer fireworks may not be used or discharged except during the following times:

•From 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset on June 29 and 30 and on July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9th;

•Between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4;

•Between the hours of 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Although the hours are the same in several jurisdictions, the fines for those violating the ordinances vary.

The county’s ordinance call for a fine of $250 for each violation. In Chesterton, Burns Harbor and Dune Acres, meanwhile, the fine is $100. The commissioners noted that in Kouts, the fine is $2,500.

The three commissioners declared an emergency and suspended the rules, enabling them to adopt the ordinance on the same night it was first presented.

Among the communities that has not yet adopted a fireworks ordinance is the town of Porter.

Posted 6/20/2007