Can I light off fireworks in Memphis? What to know about fireworks for Fourth of July

Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·2 min read

America's 247th birthday is fast approaching, and like every 4th of July, fireworks are sure to light up the night sky. Need a refresher on what fireworks are legal in Shelby County?

Here's everything you need to know about celebrating independence with a bang.

State laws for fireworks are similar across Mid-South

In Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, the laws on fireworks are largely the same. Businesses can legally sell Class C fireworks with a permit, and consumers can set them off.

Class C fireworks contain an "explosive composition" of 2 grams or less, and include items such as sparklers, spinners, firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets. Anything with a greater explosive yield like cherry bombs and M-80s are illegal to sell or use without a permit.

Beware of fines

Though the state laws are similar, differing city ordinances mean even Class C fireworks may be illegal in certain areas and could result in a fine, usually around $50.

In Collierville, Millington, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake and Hernando, fireworks usage is generally prohibited. Germantown users could see a much steeper fine of $500.

Fireworks light up the Downtown Memphis skyline on the Independence Day holiday Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Fireworks light up the Downtown Memphis skyline on the Independence Day holiday Sunday, July 4, 2021.

In unincorporated Shelby County, Memphis, Bartlett and Arlington, usage of Class C fireworks is legal, though Arlington only allows public usage on July 4 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

11,500 fireworks-related ER trips in 2021

If you plan to create your own fireworks show this year, be aware of the risks involved. In 2021, there were 11,500 injuries from fireworks that required a trip to the ER across the country, according to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even among nonexplosive fireworks, there were 1,500 injuries related to firecrackers and 1,100 to sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 1,200-2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even for those who use fireworks every year, it's important to keep a few things in mind in case something goes wrong.

  • Keep a water bucket or hose on hand in the event of a fire.

  • Avoid relighting defective fireworks ― douse them with water and throw them away.

  • Never stand over the firework when lighting the fuse.

Make sure you know the law and how to stay safe this July 4th, and don't let a fun time with family and friends be ruined by an unwanted fine or a trip to the ER.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Firework laws in Memphis: What to know before you buy & set them off