By RYAN CHRISTNER

rchristner@dailynews.net

As calendar pages turn their way to July, the popping and whizzing of fireworks becomes a more frequent sound when the sun sets.

In most of Ellis County, however, the legal discharge period for these festive materials doesn't begin for another couple of days.

For citizens of Hays and rural county residents, the fun isn't technically allowed to begin until Friday. Lasting through Sunday, revelers in these areas, as well as in Schoenchen, can set off fireworks to their heart's content from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Limiting activity to just the day of the holiday, laws in Ellis and Victoria allow fireworks discharge only on Saturday, from 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively, until midnight.

Watch what is lit in Hays, though, as city law prohibits use of fireworks that shoot into the air, such as bottle rockets and Roman candles, or contain more than two grains (130 mg) of explosive powder. All other parts of the county are free of restrictions.

The ruling design behind the limitations, Hays Police Lt. Ron Rounkles said, is the safety of both those using fireworks and others in the area, with fire and injury being the primary concerns.

Misuse of fireworks is a ticketable offense, but Rounkles said the festivity of the season still should be honored and education of offenders likely will be the preferred approach by his department -- at least until something bad happens.

"We don't want to come down heavy-handed," he said. "This is supposed to be fun."

The Hays Police Department already has responded to several fireworks complaints. Rural Fire Director Dick Klaus said a fire was put out Tuesday after a wayward firecracker caused wheat stubble to burn.

"It's getting dry out here again," Klaus said.

The general idea when engaging in Fourth of July activities, the local experts said, is to employ common sense.

While handling fireworks, Rounkles, Klaus and Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Wendy Schumacher suggest closely monitoring older children, avoiding excessive drinking, keeping a garden hose or bucket of water nearby and being prepared to promptly call 911 in case a situation should take a turn for the worse.