As New Year’s approaches, the Charleston Fire Department would like to remind our community about the rules and regulations regarding fireworks. City Ordinance Sec. 13-191 prohibits the use, sale, possession, and discharge of any fireworks within the City of Charleston. Smaller items such as sparklers, snap-pops, or similar are not regulated as fireworks materials and are permissible. Fireworks displays must be conducted by a licensed operator with a permit issued by the City of Charleston.
Please call 9-1-1 to report the use of illegal fireworks. The Charleston Police Department will respond to complaints and illegal fireworks may be confiscated and citations may be issued.
If you choose to utilize fireworks at a location outside of the City, please remember that fireworks can have life-altering effects and most injuries are preventable.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- An estimated 10,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2019.
- 30% of the injuries sustained were to the hands and fingers.
- 15% of the injuries were reported to the head, face, eyes, and ears.
- 66% of the injuries were to males, 34% to females.
- 49% of the injuries occurred to people under the age of 20.
- 36% of the injuries occurred to people under the age of 15.
- Sparklers are often viewed as harmless, but they can reach temperatures over 1,000’F.
- Sparklers may cause third-degree burns, will retain heat, and can cause fires.
When attending events that include fireworks, please practice a few simple safety tips:
- Sparklers can burn and must be used under careful supervision – keep them at arm’s length, at least 6 feet from others, away from combustibles, and dispose of properly.
- Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
- Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers or other fireworks.
- Do not allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Never fire or launch items at another person.
- Never discharge fireworks in or at a home or structure.
- Dry brush and debris may ignite easily.
The Charleston Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable New Year. Remember, in the event of an emergency; please dial 9-1-1
