INDIANAPOLIS -- The Fourth of July is still nearly two weeks away, but Hoosiers are already lighting up the sky with fireworks.

It seems the celebration goes on for a month or more in many central Indiana communities, and there are plenty of misconceptions of what people can and can't do with fireworks.

By state law, fireworks can only be detonated between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., except on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year's Day. On those holidays, the cutoff is midnight.

Only people age 18 and older can purchase fireworks, and children who use fireworks must be under adult supervision.

Indiana State Police urge people to observe their community's fireworks display instead of holding one at home.

"Let the professionals do it. They're bigger, they're better and a lot safer for you and your family," said ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten.

Nearly every year, fireworks are the cause of a fire or injuries to children in central Indiana. Two years ago, fireworks were blamed in a series of fires in the Indianapolis area, one of which did extensive damage to a Carmel apartment building.

In 2008, fireworks that had been discarded in the garage of a Noblesville home ignited a fire that did substantial damage to that home.

Between January and August 2008, 141 people were injured by fireworks. Nearly half of those were children, and 65 percent involved burns to the hands, face and eyes.

"A lot of kids have been seriously burned just from sparklers themselves," said Franklin Township fire Capt. Thomas Beckner.

Regardless of the dangers, USA Fireworks said sales are up this year.

"We have some people spend $2,000, $3,000 putting on a show, but you can do it on any budget," said Scott Coyle of USA Fireworks.

Anyone who plans to shoot fireworks at home should have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, garden hose and phone handy to call 911 if something goes wrong.

Every year, neighborhood fireworks displays spark controversy between those who say they're just showing patriotic spirit and others who don't like the noise.

More Info: Indiana Fireworks Regulations