Happy first day of July, Cola. Is anyone else shocked at how fast summer is flying by? ☀️

With the July Fourth holiday this weekend and the coronavirus cancelling events + annual celebrations, we’ve received a few questions about local fireworks laws. 🎆

In South Carolina, anyone 16 and older can legally purchase and shoot off fireworks. However, there are rules surrounding the use of fireworks – so we’re breaking these rules down so your holiday can go out with a bang + without any legal trouble.

While most types of fireworks are legal, SC does not allow “ground salutes” or “cherry bombs”, M-80’s, TNT salutes, bulldog salutes or small bottle rockets less than ½ inch in diameter and 3 inches long.

There are also time restrictions for when fireworks are permissible, which depend on the city or town limits you live within.

Blythewood

○ Fireworks are allowed every day.

Cayce

○ Fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

Chapin

○ Fireworks are allowed until 11 p.m.

City of Columbia

○ Fireworks are allowed every day until 10 p.m.

Forest Acres

○ Fireworks are allowed every day, but are not allowed in city parks.

Irmo

○ Fireworks are allowed on the Fourth of July from 7 p.m.-midnight.

Town of Lexington

○ Fireworks are allowed every day until 9 p.m. and until midnight on the Fourth of July.

West Columbia

○ Fireworks are only allowed from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

Unincorporated Richland County

○ If you live in Richland County, but don’t live within any city or town limits, Richland County ordinances apply to you. These state that, Sundays through Thursdays, fireworks are allowed from 8-10 p.m. and 8-11:59 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. These hours are extended to 1 a.m. on the Fourth of July.

If you are planning on putting on your own firework show this year, here are some firework safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

○ Read the caution labels and instructions before igniting the firework.

○ Don’t mix alcohol and fireworks.

○ Wear safety glasses when shooting off fireworks.

○ Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

○ Light fireworks outdoors away from buildings and vehicles.

○ Never relight a “dud” firework.

○ Always have a bucket of water and hose nearby when lighting fireworks.

○ Check out more safety tips here.

If shooting off fireworks on your own isn’t quite up your ally, there are a couple local firework shows that are still planned for this year.

○ Town of Lexington fireworks show | Friday, July 3 | 9:15 p.m. | In order to promote social distancing, there won’t be a public viewing area. The fireworks will be fired from behind Town Hall and officials recommend viewers watch from Main St., Lexington Square Park, the Lexington Veterans Monument or any public parking lot.

○ 32nd Annual Lake Murray Fourth of July Fireworks Show | Saturday, July 4 | 9:15 p.m. | Although the boat parade has been cancelled, the fireworks show will go on. The fireworks will be shot from Spence and Dreher Islands.