This New Year’s Eve, ring in 2019 safely. The use of fireworks is forbidden in the Kenai Peninsula Borough unless they are part of a permitted display. However, in the city of Kenai, personal use fireworks are allowed for a 48-hour period between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Kenai is the only city in the borough exempt from the ban.

During the 48-hour period, Kenai residents are allowed to light any kind of fireworks off. They must be shot from private property, with the consent of the owner. Fireworks are banned from any public land in the city.

“You can’t just go to the beach and light off fireworks,” Kenai Fire Chief Jeff Tucker said. “It has to be on private property.”

Tucker said residents should consider the risks of fireworks and take caution when using them.

“It’s an explosive hazard and a fire hazard,” Tucker said. “They can cause injury and hazards to wildlife.”

Residents should be mindful of neighbors, children and pets when choosing to light off fireworks, Tucker said.

The city began to allow fireworks within the limits of Kenai in 2015 when the city council passed an ordinance allowing for the 48-hour window around New Year’s.