A reminder ahead of New Year’s Eve: Fireworks are prohibited in most places on the central Kenai Peninsula. Unless within the City of Kenai during a specified period of time, fireworks are prohibited, including in Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula Borough outside city limits.
For folks fretting about how to keep their furry friends safe amid the clamor, the Humane Society of the United States recommends making sure pets are wearing a collar in case they get lost and to keep them away from fireworks, such as indoors with a radio or TV on. Even pets usually kept outside, the Human Society says, should be brought inside.
Soldotna
Soldotna Municipal Code prohibits the possession and use of fireworks in city parks, which is punishable by a $100 fine. The code applies to firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets and other explosives or flammable material.
The city’s fire code also states that manufacturing, storing, selling, handling and using fireworks is prohibited within the city except for groups holding a permit issued by the State of Alaska Fire Marshal’s office that is also approved by the City of Soldotna.
Kenai
The City of Kenai allows for the personal and private use of fireworks on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. During the 48-hour window, people 18 and older can use fireworks within city limits for personal and private use on property owned by the person or with the consent of the property owner.
The sale of fireworks is forbidden within city limits. It is against city code for someone to discharge fireworks under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs and to discharge fireworks in a way that could “reasonably cause harm” to life or property. Public groups wanting to display fireworks must hold a current and valid permit issued by the City of Kenai and other state or federal agencies with jurisdiction.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
The Kenai Peninsula Borough’s Code of Ordinances prohibits the use and sale of fireworks within the borough. Exceptions can be made for public displays by groups holding a current permit issued by the borough mayor. The use and sale of fireworks within the borough are punishable by $500 fines each, according to borough code.
Borough and municipal codes are available on the respective entity’s website.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
