Which fireworks are legal in NC? Where can I watch the pros on July 4? We have answers.
We’re about to celebrate our nation’s independence in a very different way.
If we’re behaving responsibly, our Fourth of July cookouts will be smaller and socially distanced, and our guests will wear masks (when not pounding down hot dogs, of course).
And for some of us, the holiday isn’t complete without explosions.
It’s true that this year, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, most major fireworks presentations have been canceled. But not all. There are still some places to go to watch professional fireworks, and we know some will want pyrotechnics displays at home.
Here’s what you need to know about what’s allowed and what’s safe.
Are fireworks legal in North Carolina?
There’s a category of fireworks called “consumer fireworks” (or “safe and sane fireworks”) and those are legal in North Carolina. That includes wire sparklers, glow worms, smoke bombs and trick noisemakers.
More powerful fireworks — fireworks that explode, spin or become airborne — are not legal in North Carolina, but are available for sale just across the border in South Carolina. Many here go south of the border to purchase the fireworks, and bring them back to North Carolina to set off. That’s illegal, but also rarely enforced.
Is it OK to shoot off fireworks in my neighborhood?
Consumer fireworks purchased in North Carolina are fine (but still be very careful). The stuff you’re crossing the border for is illegal here.
Also, remember that many pets and combat veterans can be extremely distressed by the sound of fireworks, so please be respectful when considering shooting off fireworks in your neighborhood.
I know about fireworks. What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s likely that everyone who ever lost a finger or suffered burns from setting off fireworks thought they knew what they were doing.
An estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during a 30-day period surrounding July 4, 2019, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of those injuries, 66% were to males and 34% were to females, and children under the age of 15 accounted for 36% of injuries.
The body parts most often injured were hands and fingers. After that, legs; eyes; head, face, and ears; and arms.
I’m doing it anyway. It’ll be fine!
If you are determined to set off fireworks, please follow these safety tips culled from various local fire departments:
▪ Stay away from amateurs who are setting off explosive fireworks. It is especially important to keep kids away.
▪ Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
▪ Point fireworks away from people, animals, buildings, cars, trees, bushes or other flammable materials. Never light fireworks on a grass surface.
▪ If the firework doesn’t work the first time, do not try to relight it. Pour some water on it and let it go. Also, douse all spent fireworks with water before throwing them into the trash.
▪ Have a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby. Also have a phone nearby to call 911 in case of emergency.
▪ Even though sparklers are legal here, they can get too hot for little kids to handle. Give them a glow stick instead.
▪ Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
▪ Do not try to make your own fireworks.
▪ Keep animals inside the house (!!!) while setting off fireworks (or if your neighbors are doing this) so that they don’t become frightened and run away.
My dog ran away because of fireworks. How do I find him?
Every year, no matter how many times we’re warned, people leave dogs and cats outside over the July 4th weekend, and they run away after being frightened by fireworks.
If you’re reading this before the weekend, just please don’t let your animals go outside.
If it’s too late, start by calling your local animal shelter to see whether your pet has been picked up and turned in.
It’s always a good idea to have your pet chipped and collared with a tag that includes your phone number. Also, post “lost pet” notices on social media sites such as NextDoor, PawBoost.com, findpet.com and TriangleLostPets.org.
How do I find some professional fireworks to watch safely?
Yes, we agree this is the best idea.
So does North Carolina’s insurance commissioner and state fire marshal Mike Causey, who doesn’t think it’s a good idea to light fireworks at home. Causey released a list on Saturday of all places across the state hosting public fireworks.
Some will have fireworks you can stream online, and others may require people to stay in their cars during the show to maintain social distancing.
You can see the full list here, but here are some of the Triangle-area spots we were able to confirm.
Wake Forest: 9:15 on Friday, July 3 — STREAMING
Benson: Benson Singing Grove, 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 — IN-PERSON
Cleveland: 9046 Cleveland Road, 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 — IN-PERSON
Kenly: 923 Johnston Parkway Road, 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 — IN-PERSON
Holly Springs: 2401 Grigsby Ave., 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 5 — STREAMING
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 3:24 PM.
