The Honolulu Fire Department is reminding the public that a permit is required for the purchase of firecrackers, which will be sold at licensed retail sites until midnight tonight.

Permits are available at any satellite city hall during normal business hours, but not at fire stations. Permits cost $25 each, and multiple permits may be purchased. Licensed retailers cannot sell more than 5,000 firecrackers per permit.

Firecrackers may be set off from 9 tonight until 1 a.m. tomorrow.

Improper use of fireworks can start fires and cause injuries.

Use of aerial fireworks is prohibited without a special permit.

Permits are not needed to buy novelty items such as sparklers, flaming fountains, smoke bombs and the like.

The Fire Department said that as of 9 last night, there had been three fires that probably were caused by fireworks. None involved structures and all were minor.

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