Fire marshal urges safe Fourth of July use, promotes ‘bucket brigade’ and gives disposal guidance

Assistant Fire Marshal Dylan Smith of the Topeka Fire Department urged residents to follow city rules and safety practices ahead of the Fourth of July. He said lawful discharge in the city is allowed July 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and warned that officers and fire investigators will follow up on reports when possible.

Smith highlighted an educational "bucket brigade" partnership—local donors provided water buckets, which the fire department recommends keeping filled and on hand when discharging fireworks so spent material can be safely cooled. "Having a water source available when you're discharging fireworks obviously is paramount," he said, urging residents to let spent fireworks cool 5–10 minutes before disposal and to use noncombustible containers to discard them.

He reviewed other safety steps: supervise minors (someone 18 or older should be in charge), light fireworks on a flat noncombustible surface, maintain a safety perimeter (roughly 35 feet for ground devices, 150 feet for aerial displays), avoid lighting from moving vehicles or holding fireworks in hand, and keep grilling safety in mind.

In a follow-up Q&A, officials said EMS calls typically drive holiday demand and that fire staffing operates 24/7; there may be partner support but no guaranteed additional standalone crews specifically for the holiday. Smith also reminded residents to call 911 for emergencies and to cool burns with water before seeking medical care.