Fourth of July celebrations can get pretty lit. So if you're grilling all out and hosting your own party, it's important to know the local firework laws.

Legal illumination

Now that those puns are out of the way, let's look at the legislation. The NC Fire Prevention Code (which the Buncombe County Fire Marshal and the Asheville Fire Department will enforce) permits the use of novelty fireworks that don't explode, fly, spin, or leave the ground. So that means that items like sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snappers, glowworms, poppers, and snakes are all legal to use.

It is illegal to use items like firecrackers, sky lanterns, roman candles, mortars, aerial fireworks, bottle rockets, and ground spinners without a special display permit. It's also illegal to get fireworks from a different state and bring them to NC.

If you buy yours from a reputable vendor, they're probably good to go — but to purchase fireworks, you have to be at least 16 years old.

Don't play with fire

So all your pyrotechnics are permissible? That's a good place to start — but even so, any kind of fireworks risk burns or property destruction. So here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Keep a water source nearby.
Don't let the little ones use any fireworks or lighters.
This isn't the time for DIY — don't alter fireworks or try to make your own.
Don't run while holding sparklers or stand close to other people (they can reach 1200 degrees Fahrenheit).
Be careful of pets who might get scared.
Keep a close eye on your surroundings.
Even legal fireworks can only be used in private settings. Any public exhibition has to have a permit.