Petition to the Wichita City Council

Fireworks are a cherished Independence Day tradition, and this petition is not about ending that tradition. It is about creating a better balance between celebrating our nation's independence and respecting the people who call Wichita home.

Today, Wichita allows consumer fireworks to be discharged from June 27 through July 5—up to nine days of neighborhood explosions. While many families enjoy fireworks, an extended discharge period comes at a cost to thousands of Wichita residents.

Extended neighborhood fireworks can:

•Cause severe anxiety for pets and other animals.
•Distress veterans and others living with PTSD or sensory sensitivities.
•Disrupt sleep for families with young children, seniors, and shift workers.
•Increase the risk of fires, injuries, and property damage.
•Create unnecessary noise pollution long before and after Independence Day.

Many cities throughout Kansas and the surrounding region have adopted more restrictive fireworks ordinances or shorter discharge periods while still allowing residents to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly.

We respectfully ask the Wichita City Council to modernize Wichita's fireworks ordinance by limiting the discharge of consumer fireworks to July 3 and July 4, or another similarly limited time frame centered on Independence Day.

This is not about eliminating fireworks. It is about being good neighbors.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a reasonable compromise that preserves an important American tradition while improving quality of life, protecting pets, respecting veterans and others affected by loud explosions, and making Wichita a safer and more considerate community.

If you believe we can celebrate responsibly while respecting our neighbors, please sign and share this petition.