Summer is synonymous with barbeques and parades – it’s a time for celebration and fun. One way to celebrate Independence Day is through the use of fireworks, which can be enjoyable if you remember to obey the law and follow safety recommendations.

Illegal Fireworks

Certain fireworks are illegal to sell or possess in North Carolina. These include firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and aerial fireworks. A simple rule of thumb; anything that explodes or is projected into the air is illegal. Also, the firing, discharging, or ignition of fireworks or other pyrotechnics (except with a permit as set forth in the Code of Ordinances, Article II, Section 18-48) requires a permit subject to the approval of the Town and Wake County Fire Marshal (Code of Ordinances, Article II, Section 18-44) and are fired, discharged or ignited at public events.

Legal Fireworks

In general, sparklers, fountains and novelty fireworks items that do not explode or are not intended to spin or to leave the ground and fly through the air, are permitted for use in North Carolina. Fireworks that are legal include:

• Snake and glow worms
• Smoke devices consisting of a tube or sphere that produce white or colored smoke
• Trick noisemakers, including party poppers, string poppers and snappers
• Wire sparklers

Age Requirements

The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department wants to remind everyone that children under the age of 16 cannot legally buy or use fireworks in North Carolina.

Injuries

In 2022, approximately 10,200 people sustained an injury from fireworks serious enough to send them to their local emergency room. The majority of the injuries were from burns. Sparklers are the most frequent cause of firework injuries to children nationwide. A lit sparkler can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees that can cause third degree burns when a child grabs the wire.

Safety Tips

The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department offers the following safety tips:

• Only buy from reliable fireworks vendors
• Never alter fireworks or try to make your own
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Loose clothing should not be worn while handling fireworks
• Fireworks are not toys and should only be handled by responsible adults
• Have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire emergency
• Light one firework at a time and move away from it quickly, if a firework does not light the first time, do not attempt to light it again
• Ignite your fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from grass, trees and other vegetation
• Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container