Broken Arrow outlines fireworks enforcement plan after state law change

City of Broken Arrow officials briefed the City Council on enforcement of the municipal fireworks ordinance and how a newly enacted state law affects local restrictions ahead of the July 3–4 holiday. Fire Marshal Justin Sharp and Major Garrett of the police department described coordinated fire and police staffing, patrol priorities and public-reporting procedures.

Sharp said the City of Broken Arrow municipal ordinance (section 10.3) allows the discharge of consumer fireworks inside city limits only on July 3 and 4 between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., and that permits were removed a few years ago. “The hours of operation are only between 3:00 in the afternoon and 11:00 at night. After 11:00, fines double, and we are really a lot more strict on enforcement,” Sharp said. He noted fireworks must be set off on non‑combustible surfaces, at least 25 feet from any structure, and that city parks are off‑limits for discharge.

On fines, Sharp said the base fine after 11:00 p.m. starts at $274 and doubles (up to $549 plus court costs) for violations occurring after the cutoff. He also repeated a municipal requirement that individuals clean up fireworks debris the same day.

Sharp and Major Garrett summarized a joint enforcement plan: the fire department will deploy four enforcement teams (two personnel per team) focused on parks, roadways and safety checks on July 3 and 4, while police will add officers in the days before and after the holiday. Major Garrett said patrol officers will handle calls for service on July 3 and 4 and the department will place extra officers on the 1st, 2nd and 5th to address fireworks enforcement and related complaints.

“On the 3rd and the 4th, our patrol officers will handle calls for service. We’re going to have our friends at the fire department… they’re going to have four teams, eight people out,” Major Garrett said, adding the department expects heavy call volume and will coordinate staffing accordingly.

The presenters also reviewed a state law change. Sharp summarized Senate Bill 1948, known in the meeting as the Rocket’s Red Glare Act, which took effect May 29, 2026 and prevents counties from banning outdoor consumer fireworks sales for commercial purposes and allows year‑round fireworks sales. He reiterated that the state law does not nullify municipal ordinances: “Our ordinances are still in effect. We can still enforce those and we can still put restrictions, which we do—times, dates, locations,” Sharp said.

Council members thanked staff for the update and for communications to clarify public confusion about the state law. One council member said he remains opposed to allowing fireworks inside the city and cited complaints from veterans and concerns for families with young children.

A council member asked for the best way for residents to report late fireworks; officials advised using the city’s non‑emergency number, 918‑259‑8400, rather than 911, for noise or ordinance complaints so staff can assign and respond to calls.

On the question of a rain date, Mr. Spurgeon said the council previously authorized the city manager or the manager’s designee to grant an additional day if weather prevents observance, and staff will coordinate any decision with the fire chief and police.

No formal vote or change to the ordinance was taken at the meeting. Staff said they will continue public outreach, post the non‑emergency contact information on city channels and implement the staffing plan for the July holiday.