Is it legal to set off fireworks in Knoxville? What you need to know before July 4

Maybe no object is so highly regulated and so widely used as the humble firework. Each year around July 4, the Volunteer State lights up with pyrotechnics large and small.

But just because people set off fireworks everywhere doesn't mean fireworks are legal everywhere. The reality is that firework codes, some of which are quite strict on paper, are notoriously difficult to enforce in places like Knox County, where it's illegal to sell or set off fireworks without a permit.

"It's very hard to enforce something when it's going on all over Knox County," said Knox County Fire Prevention Specialist Larry Wilder. "The challenges of policing this are pretty significant."

At the state level, there are fireworks regulations that apply in every local jurisdiction.

For instance, fireworks cannot be sold without a permit or to anyone below the age of 16. Anyone age 16 or 17 must show ID when purchasing fireworks.

Some laws only apply in certain places, such as a ban on firework sales in any county with a population greater than 355,000, according to federal census data. Knox County has a population of around 495,000 people as of 2022.

The safety concern behind these laws is clear: Fireworks were responsible for 175 fires and $1.23 million in property damages in Tennessee in 2021 alone, according to the state fire marshal's office. Much of this damage isn't covered by insurance companies, since it involves something illegal.

There are also safety concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found in its most recent report that firework-related injuries increased 25% between 2006 and 2021.

But with holiday celebrations around the corner, many Knoxvillians are willing to take risks to celebrate Independence Day at home and in their communities with a bang.

In Knox County and Knoxville, you can report illegal firework activity to the Knox County Sheriff's Department at 865-215-2243 or the KPD non-emergency hotline at 865-215-4010.

Where it's legal to use fireworks in East Tennessee

• Blount County - Fireworks are legal to set off, except between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., per a local noise ordinance.

• Maryville - Consumer fireworks may be used in the city July 3-4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., on Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1, and on Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They may not be set off on any public property without approval from the city.

• Alcoa - Consumer fireworks may be used in the city July 3-4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., on Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1, and on Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They cannot be shot onto another person's property without the owner or occupant's permission.

• Loudon County - legal

• Campbell County - Use of fireworks is legal in the county, but illegal in the city of LaFollette. An explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the small town killed 4 people in 1997.

• Sevier County - Use of fireworks is legal in the county, but illegal in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville.

• Fireworks also are legal in: Grainger, Morgan, Roane and Union counties

Where it's illegal to use fireworks in East Tennessee

• Knox County - Use of fireworks is illegal without a permit from the state and approval from the county.

• Knoxville - Use of fireworks is illegal without a permit from the city, which can be obtained at knoxvilletn.gov. Failure to secure a permit before setting off fireworks could result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can carry a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

• Anderson County - Use of fireworks is prohibited without a permit from the state and approval from the county, including in the city of Oak Ridge.

• Townsend - Use of fireworks is illegal.

State and local authorities suggest reaching out to local police offices and fire departments to get additional information on firework codes.

Handling fireworks safely

Even if it is unlawful to set off fireworks in Knox County and several neighboring counties and cities, many residents choose to set off fireworks anyway and risk damage or citation.

Still, local authorities say safety is paramount. Wilder focuses on public education, which fills the gaps where the public deviates from the law. He said these gaps are especially significant with fireworks.

"We understand that some people are going to disobey the local county law on self-possession and use," Wilder said. "So, what's the next best thing? That is just trying to educate them on safety."

Wilder's safety tips aligned with guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those safety tips include:

• Keep a water supply nearby to extinguish any fires or to put out "duds" which do not ignite or detonate as intended. Do not attempt to relight them.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people, animals or buildings.

• Never hold fireworks after lighting them. Nearly one-third of injuries from fireworks in 2021 were sustained to the hands/fingers, according to the CPSC report.

• Maintain a safe distance from fireworks after lighting the fuse and move away immediately after lighting.

• Never allow young children to light or handle fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Douse any used fireworks with water before disposing of them to prevent trash fires.

• Light fireworks one at a time.

• Never light fireworks while using alcohol or drugs.

• Keep dogs and other animals inside or at home while fireworks are being ignited.

Daniel Dassow is a reporting intern focusing on trending and business news. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Where are fireworks legal or illegal in the Knoxville area