Oklahoma has banned the private use of fireworks in certain areas of the state, but for those areas where it is legal, people should still be aware of the dangers, said Mustang Fire Department Captain Mike Carroll.

Carroll said while it is legal in Mustang for private citizens to shoot off fireworks, people still need to use caution when using them.

“Please do not let small children handle fireworks alone and people should keep water near at all times, whether it be a bucket or a hose,” Carroll said.

He said Mustang is a popular hot spot for those who want to create their own fireworks fun.

“We are also encouraging people coming in from out of town who want to do their own fireworks to go behind the Community Center to Wild Horse Park,” he said.

“We want to keep folks together so if something were to happen we can keep it contained to a small area.”

Carroll said, even in the areas where using fireworks are allowed, people should be aware there are certain time frames in which they can use them.

In Mustang those are from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 27 through July 3, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4, Carroll said.

Amber Jones, a psychology major, said she plans to take her children to Bricktown for their Independence Day celebration.

“Since my children are small, I am just going to take them downtown to see the fireworks,” Jones said. “I feel it’s much safer that way.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave the fireworks displays to trained professionals.

For more information on areas that allows personal fireworks and allowed times of use, contact your local fire department or police station.