NATCHEZ — Miss-Lou residents planning on shooting fireworks this evening to ring in the New Year need to remember to obey the laws that apply when celebrating, local law enforcement officials said.

Natchez Police Department Chief of Police Mike Mullins said the department discourages the use of fireworks inside the city, but there is no law that specifically forbids residents from shooting them in city limits.

“They are a violation of the noise ordinance,” he said. “If you are going to use them, make it at a reasonable time, and make sure they are not shot at any buildings.”

Mullins said any noise complaints that are filed will be followed up with a visit from a NPD officer.

“When we get complaints, we normally give the people one chance to stop using them,” he said. “If we have to go back, we will give a citation for a noise ordinance violation, and we can even make an arrest for disturbing the peace if the fireworks continue.”

Mullins said most people comply with the warning, and that the most important thing residents need to remember is that fireworks are a fire hazard.

“We have had instances in the past where fireworks have caused fire problems,” he said. “Be careful when shooting them.”

Ferriday Fire Department Chief Joe Sontoyo said Ferriday residents can shoot fireworks in the city limits until Jan. 2.

“They can be shot from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “You can shoot them until 1 a.m. on New Year’s.”

Sontoyo also said people need to be careful when shooting fireworks due to the fire hazard.

“Grass fires can start if you aren’t careful,” he said. “Do not hold them in your hand and shoot them, and always be sure to have adult supervision if kids are going to be shooting them.”

Vidalia Police Chief Arthur Lewis said there is an ordinance against fireworks in the city, but residents will be able to partake in the festivities.

“For years people have been allowed to shoot fireworks during the holidays,” he said. “As long as the residents aren’t complaining and they aren’t disturbing anyone, they will be allowed.”

Lewis said any complaints received will be followed with a visit from an officer.

“We are going to ask them to stop if they are causing a problem,” he said. “As long as everything is under control, everything will be fine.”

Lewis said he knows many people also think it is fine to shoot off guns when midnight arrives, but the VPD will not be allowing use of any firearms in the city limits during the holidays.

“We just ask the people to be safe and have a good time,” he said. “I hope everyone has a Happy New Year.”