The Fire Department is urging residents to stay safe when celebrating over the July 4th holiday weekend. Fire officials strongly discourage the consumer use of fireworks and encourage residents to find alternative ways to get into the patriotic spirit.
“If residents choose to use fireworks, we want to make sure they make informed purchases and take the appropriate precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Fire Marshal Tristan Johnson. “We also want to remind residents of the City’s fireworks ordinance.”
The ordinance prohibits the use of fireworks or similar explosives between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. every day except New Year’s Eve and July 4th. Fireworks are prohibited after 12:30 a.m. on July 5. To report a violation of the ordinance, call the police non-emergency number at 864-271-5333.
You must be 16 or older to purchase fireworks, and you should only purchase them from an approved fireworks retailer. Fireworks cannot be sold from a tent or vehicle, and all fireworks stands must be inspected by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Additionally, fireworks sold to the public can only have 50 milligrams or less of pyrotechnic composition per firework, so fireworks such as M-80s and Cherry Bombs are illegal. Both illegal fireworks and fireworks from an unlicensed stand can be confiscated by law enforcement or the State Fire Marshal.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
- Only buy fireworks from retailers permitted through the Fire Marshal’s Office
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks
- Use common sense and always read and follow the directions on each firework
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass and trees
- Light one firework at a time and keep a safe distance
- Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
- Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and keep a garden hose on hand
Visit the City of Greenville website for additional information.
Prepared by the City of Greenville.