4th Of July Fireworks In Alabama: What's Legal, What's Not

The 4th of July is just weeks away, which may leave some residents wondering: What's Birmingham's policy on fireworks?

In incorporated towns and cities, lighting your own fireworks is illegal. So fireworks are illegal in the city of Birmingham. Fireworks are allowed in most unincorporated areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties.

According to state law, fireworks can't be fired off within 600 feet of any church, hospital, public school, any enclosed building, or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale. Fireworks can't be shot off from any vehicle, or shot in the direction of people.

State law prohibits selling fireworks to children under the age of 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult, or to any intoxicated person. Separate laws and permits regulate large fireworks displays.

The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends that parents prevent children from using fireworks.

If fireworks are legal in your area, the Alabama Department of Public Health has some safety tips:

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Discuss safety procedures with children, including teaching them to "stop, drop and roll."
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.

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