SOUTH BEND, Ind. – If you plan on ringing in the New Year with a bang, the South Bend Fire Department urges you to use caution when using fireworks.

Firefighters say fireworks should be used outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.

South Bend Fire Chief Stephen Cox says never experiment with homemade fireworks.

According to city code, the use of fireworks on any public street or public park is prohibited.

You can only shoot fireworks between 10:00 a.m. on New Year ’s Eve and 1:00 a.m. on January 1st.

If you shoot them at other times, you could pay hundreds of dollars in fines.

Officials urge you to call 9-1-1 in life threatening situations.