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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Beginning Saturday, Kirksville residents can shoot off fireworks as they prepare for Independence Day celebrations.
Kirksville city ordinance allows residents to shoot fireworks from June 30^th through July 5^th between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kirksville Police Chief Jim Hughes says this is an exception to the law and not an absolute right.

"If you are in fact disturbing somebody's peace, and you're causing disruption in their life, they can still call the police department and the police department will still come out and if in fact, the conduct of the people shooting the fireworks could likely disrupt that person's life, and enjoyment in their home, then the person has to stop shooting fireworks," Hughes said.

Hughes also says it is important for residents to know where to they are allowed to shoot fireworks.  Fireworks can only be set off on their property or property belonging to someone they know with given permission. Residents cannot shoot fireworks on public property. This includes city streets.

Hughes says the police department gets hundreds of calls about firework disturbances this around the fourth.