LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While most fireworks tents and stands have closed up since the Fourth of July, the sound of fireworks is still lighting up the night sky much in many neighborhoods.

In both Kentucky and Indiana, state law permits the sale and use of fireworks, but local ordinances govern when and where they can legally be set off.

WDRB News talked with St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson about fireworks after the Fourth, and he said the different laws and ordinances can be confusing for both residents and law enforcement.

"It just makes it a little bit difficult -- even for the the officers enforcing it -- trying to figure out which ... rule best applies," Chief Wilkerson said.

The ordinance in the St. Matthews neighborhood states that it "shall be unlawful in the city for any person, firm, corporation, or other entity to use or detonate fireworks on private property in such manner as to create a circumstance of wanton endangerment or disorderly conduct."

SMPD received received several complaints over the weekend, typically after 11 p.m. 

"If they're doing them at two in the morning, three in the morning, that's when we start getting the calls," Wilkerson said. "It's the aftereffects, when you have people doing [fireworks] days or even weeks later. That's where it becomes a bit frustrating for some residents."

Police generally do not intervene if fireworks are being used earlier in the evening and aren't disturbing anyone. However, when fireworks pose a danger, create unreasonable noise, or become a nuisance, enforcement can escalate.

"It’s a common sense courtesy aspect," Wilkerson said. "If people are doing (fireworks) in a proper manner, we don't get many calls."

Officials advise residents to respect local rules and be considerate of neighbors when celebrating.

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