Fireworks for Fourth of July, what's legal in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson
The season for fireworks has arrived, and people are eager to brighten the sky with colorful explosions and dazzling displays.
While fireworks can be exciting, following the law and prioritizing safety during celebrations is essential.
"The only responsible way to experience fireworks is to attend a professional show," said Tristan Johnson, Chief of Administration at the Greenville City Fire Department. "Shooting fireworks can be dangerous, and we have seen an uptick in structural fires and dumpster fires around this time of the year.
"The best approach is to attend a professional fireworks display to prevent accidental fires.
"However, if you do choose to purchase fireworks, buy them from a reputable source," Johnson said. "Do not allow children to play with fireworks, do not use fireworks while intoxicated, and do not engage in horseplay with these explosives. It can be dangerous to others and yourself."
Several towns and counties have rules against shooting fireworks at certain times of the day and inside the city limits.
Here are laws and regulations to follow to ensure a safe celebration.
South Carolina: Fireworks laws
Most states have laws regarding the use of fireworks, and some explosive fireworks cannot be used without special permits.
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, it is legal to purchase fireworks year-round, and there is no distinction between fireworks, explosives, or sparkling devices.
However, residents should be aware of recent changes to fireworks regulations in the Upstate.
Here is a list of updated fireworks ordinances.
Greenville County
Greenville County allows fireworks until 1 a.m. going into July 5.
According to the Greenville County Code of Ordinance. "It is illegal for any person to use, fire, shoot, or discharge any fireworks within the unincorporated area of Greenville County during the following times:
"On the 4th of July before 10 a.m. and after 1 a.m. the following day.
"On Dec. 31, before 10 a.m. and after 1 a.m. the following day.
"On any other day before 10 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
The ordinance states, "A person who uses, fires, shoots, or discharges any fireworks within the unincorporated area of Greenville County and who fails to comply with the provisions of § 15-141 shall be deemed guilty of an infraction for each occurrence of noncompliance."
An infraction is punishable by a fine of $100. Each occurrence of a violation of this Article shall be considered a separate and distinct infraction.
City of Greenville
In the city of Greenville, according to the City of Greenville Code of Ordinance: "It is illegal for any person to use, discharge, shoot, or ignite fireworks or similar explosives within the city's corporate limits between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m."
An infraction of this article is punishable by a fine of $I00, any part of which may besuspended. Each subsequent violation occurring within one calendar year of determining another infraction is punishable by a fine of not less than $500.
The law says. "An exception shall be granted for the hours to be extended on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, so the discharge of fireworks shall be prohibited after 12:30 a.m. on July 5 and Jan. 1."
Fireworks in Spartanburg
According to the Spartanburg County Ordinance, fireworks are legal in Spartanburg County.
According to the City of Spartanburg Code of Ordinance, "Fireworks are illegal within the limits of the city for any person to sell or expose for sale, keep, store, maintain, have in possession, transport, give or pass any squibs, torpedoes, firecracker or any other type or form of fireworks, including salutes, Roman candles, fountains, balloons carrying any lighted substance, cannon, cane, skyrockets, bombs or other similar articles of fireworks, which will be fired, lighted, ignited, set off or thrown."
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Fireworks in Anderson
According to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, fireworks are legal in both Anderson County and within Anderson city limits.
Fireworks in surrounding areas
Fireworks are not allowed within the Mauldin and Travelers Rest city limits.
Fireworks are allowed in the Greer, Fountain Inn, and Simpsonville city limits.
Tips for handling fireworks safely
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 23 Chapter 35, consumer-grade fireworks are legal for those 16 and older to buy, store, and shoot.
The National Safety Council stated that fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires yearly.
These fires can cause significant damage to homes, forests, and structures.
The Anderson County Emergency Medical Service Department has provided some safety tips to ensure a safe and successful celebration.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
Never light them indoors.
Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Never ignite devices in a container.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
Never use illegal fireworks.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Fireworks for Fourth of July, what to know about laws in Upstate
