Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — June 30, 2025 — As the Fourth of July approaches, City of Jonesboro officials are sharing with residents a few tips to enjoy fireworks safely.

According to the City of Jonesboro Code of Ordinances, Chapter 34, Article I, Section 2, people cannot keep, sell, shoot or explode any fireworks within corporate city limits. This also includes Roman candles, skyrockets, toy pistols, and more. A person found guilty of violating the ordinance faces a Class C misdemeanor and a fine not to exceed $500.

“We encourage that if you are using fireworks, preferably not in the city limits, always use firework safety,” said Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott. “Don’t let minors, such as young children, mess with fireworks without adult supervision.”

Jonesboro Fire Chief Martin Hamrick said while fireworks are not allowed to be shot inside the city limits, they realize it happens and urged residents to be respectful and safe.

“The safest things would be those [fireworks] that do not involve the actual explosions, like the little snap-n-pops and the little things like they’ll sell at Sam’s and different places,” Hamrick said. “Those are going to be your safest bet as far as being able to use them and not worry about any type of bodily harm. Outside of that… obviously if you’re using normal conventional fireworks, do not hold them in your hand…  don’t light to them and try to throw and things of that nature.”

“If you’re shooting [fireworks], just make sure you’re in an open area and not shooting them toward houses or anything like that because we have had house fires start from fireworks,” he continued.

Hamrick added that fireworks should be allowed to cool off completely and not placed in dumpsters to avoid starting fires. If people choose to shoot off their own fireworks, he said, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on safe operation.

Residents should be mindful of their neighbors, including neighbors with pets, prior service members and others who might have PTSD, Hamrick said. For more information about being mindful during fireworks season, click here.

In case of emergencies, injury and fire should be reported to 911; however, non-emergency reports can be made to (870) 935-5551.

“The best thing to do in the city limits is either use those little poppers and things of that nature or go watch one of the many commercially done firework displays. Those will be the safest bets,” Hamrick said.

For those wanting to enjoy a fireworks show, the following free events are occurring in Jonesboro:

  • 4th Fest 2025 on Thursday, July 3, at Joe Mack Campbell Park, 3021 Dan Ave. Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m.
  • Food Trucks and Fireworks 2025 on Thursday, July 3, at the Nettleton Baptist Church, 7001 E. Johnson Ave. Food trucks start serving at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
  • Freedom Fest on Friday, July 4, at Southside Softball Complex, 5003 Stadium Blvd. Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.