CSRA (WJBF)- The 4th of July is almost here, and celebrations will of course include fireworks, bottle rockets, firecrackers and more.
But there are laws to follow if you plan on lighting them yourself.
In Georgia – you are not allowed to launch any fireworks within 100 yards of places like an electric plant, gas station, hospital or government property.
On the fourth you have until midnight to shoot off fireworks.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will be out patrolling to make sure you’re using them responsibly.
“You’re responsible for your actions. Um, you know, shooting the fireworks, like shooting a gun, and you’re responsible for where it lands, you know, as dry as it has been. We have had some rain, but those fireworks land on somebody’s house, somebody’s grass and start a fire. You’re responsible for all that. So you have to be careful in everything you do with these fireworks,” said Major Robbie Silas.
You must be 18 years or older to purchase fireworks in Georgia.
In South Carolina- there are state laws and there are local ordinances.
The state laws say you can only shoot class C fireworks or common fireworks that you buy from a legal firework store or vendor.
You cannot shoot these within 100 feet of gas stations, public gatherings, churches or athletic fields.
One lieutenant for North Augusta Public safety says they have their own ordinance separate from the state.
“North Augusta we have a noise ordinance, so we just ask that people be respectful of that. Respect for their neighbors, not everybody works Monday through Friday. Not everybody has holidays and weekends off. So just be respectful of your neighbors and other people in the community as far as the noise is concerned and the time that you shoot the fireworks until,” said Lieutenant Billy Hultman.
In South Carolina you must be 16 years or older to buy and shoot fireworks.
Check with your city government to find out what your local ordinance is in South Carolina.
Photojournalist: Dania Alawir
