Charlotte Fire Shares Facts on Fireworks Ahead of July 4th

Published on July 02, 2024

Fireworks exploding in the night sky.

Charlotte Fire wants you to enjoy safe and happy 4th of July celebrations. To help make that possible, they've provided some facts on fireworks in our area. They recommend that you attend a celebration performed by a company with a North Carolina Pyrotechnic License.  

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.

Legal Fireworks

In general, sparklers, fountains, and novelty fireworks items that do not explode, or are not intended to spin or 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.

Safety Tips

  • 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.

Did You Know?

  • In 2019, 149 people went to the emergency room for firework-related injuries in North Carolina. 
  • More than 9,000 people nationwide, were treated for firework-related injuries, with 62% of them occurring during the month surrounding the 4th of July.
  • Children under 5 years of age accounted for more than half of the total estimated injuries.
  • Handheld sparklers can burn at a temperature of 1,200 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.

Please keep these tips in mind as you celebrate the holiday. Stay safe, Charlotte!

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