(KAIR)--As the sun sets on July Fourth, many Atchison residents will indulge in shooting off a few fireworks to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

However, if you plan to take part in these activities, it is important to remember there are some rules and safety guidelines that should be followed.

Atchison Fire Chief Mike McDermed says that inside Atchison city limits, the use of fireworks are governed by the international fire code, which is an ordinance adopted by city officials. He says the code is pretty straightforward. It states that you cannot possess, discharge, or sell fireworks inside the city limits.

McDermed says there are penalties in place for anyone using fireworks illegally in the city.  He says that in most cases, what happens is that unless law enforcement officials catch someone in the act of shooting off fireworks, they will most likely confiscate the fireworks and dispose of them properly.

McDermed adds that there are some consequences outside of the legal system for using fireworks incorrectly. He says that over the years, his department has seen everything from structure fires to people losing fingers and other extremities, resulting from improper handling of fireworks.

McDermed says that if you do plan on shooting off some fireworks, it is a good idea to take some necessary safety precautions. The best thing you can do, he says, is that since they are illegal inside the city limits, you could take in a public display.

However, if you are shooting them in an area where they are permitted, McDermed says to just use common sense and not put yourself, or anyone else in a situation where they can be harmed.