Fire Regulations in Shreveport, LA

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Shreveport, Louisiana, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fireworks

Discharging, selling or igniting fireworks anywhere in Shreveport is illegal year-round except inside three windows set by Sec. 30-91: noon June 16 to 10 p.m. June 20, noon July 1 to 10 p.m. July 5, and noon December 15 to 10 p.m. January 1. Even then, use is capped to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., bottle rockets and chlorate sparklers stay banned outright, and a permit covers any public display.

Key details: Lawful sale/discharge windows: June 16-20, July 1-5, Dec 15-Jan 1. Daily hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (extended New Year's Eve). Always banned: Bottle rockets and sky rockets with sticks. Always banned sparklers: Any containing chlorates or perchlorates. Display permit fee: $250 nonrefundable, filed 15 days ahead.

Violating Sec. 30-91, including possessing, selling or discharging fireworks outside the lawful dates and hours, or any bottle rocket or chlorate sparkler at any time, is punished under the general fire code penalty in Sec. 30-55(b), referencing Sec. 1-14. The chief of fire prevention can also seize any fireworks 'deemed or reasonably believe is a hazard to life and/or property,' at the owner's expense, on top of any fine.

Compared to other cities, Shreveport takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildfire Zones

Shreveport has no wildfire hazard severity zones, no wildland-urban interface code and no defensible-space program. Louisiana does not map fire severity the way western states do, and neither the Municipal Code nor the Unified Development Code creates such a zone.

Key details: Mapped wildfire severity zones: None in Shreveport. WUI code adopted: None. Outside burning: Special permit required. Fire code adopted: NFPA Fire Prevention Code. State burn ban authority: La. R.S. 40:1602, State Fire Marshal.

Burning without the bureau's permit, or at a location not on the permit, is unlawful under Section 30-60 and punishable under Section 1-14.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Shreveport gives residents more flexibility on wildfire zones.

Smoke Detectors

Shreveport's Unified Development Code ties smoke detector installation to short-term rental licensing. Every permitted short-term rental must keep smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers installed and operable at all times the unit is occupied by guests, under the health and safety standards in Article 23.

Key details: Governing section: UDC § 23.8.C. Required equipment: Smoke + CO detectors, fire extinguisher. Fireplace/stove upkeep: Cleaned annually. Applies to: All STR permit types A, B-1, B-2. Enforcement: Zoning Administrator, Revenue Division, police.

Operating without working smoke detectors, CO detectors, or fire extinguishers violates UDC Article 23; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense under § 23.10.A. The Zoning Administrator can revoke the short-term rental permit and issue zoning violations, the City's Revenue Division can revoke the permit for ordinance violations, and Shreveport police can issue citations payable like local traffic tickets under § 23.10.C.

The Bottom Line

Shreveport's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Shreveport is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Shreveport's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.