As some Tri-City area residents prepare to celebrate the New Year with fireworks, authorities say they should make safety a priority and make sure they follow applicable laws. Fireworks may be used in the unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish but not within the limits of Morgan City, Berwick and Patterson. According to a parish ordinance, fireworks can be set off 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 15 through Jan. 1. The ordinance allows for additional hours for firework usage from 10 p.m. Dec. 24 through 1 a.m. Dec. 25 and from 10 p.m. Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. Jan. 1. No ...