Fireworks Laws and Safety Tips

Photo by Vecteezy

As Independence Day approaches, officials are reminding residents that North Carolina prohibits most fireworks commonly associated with Fourth of July celebrations. Sparklers, smoke devices and certain ground-based sparkling devices are legal, but fireworks that explode or launch into the air are generally prohibited.

Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars and aerial shells. Mecklenburg County and the Town of Cornelius follow state law, and violations can result in criminal penalties.

Despite the law, consumer firework shows are common this time of year. The American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation offers the following fireworks safety tips for holiday celebrations:

• Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.
• Only buy legal consumer fireworks from a licensed store, stand or tent. They typically have brightly colored labels with the manufacturer’s name, directions and warnings.
• Read and follow the directions on the labels.
• Never carry a firework in your pocket or shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks.
• Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• When finished, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device.
• Only use fireworks outdoors away from buildings on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface that is free from debris.
• Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.
• Light only one firework at a time and never approach or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time.