Seasonal & Holidays
What HPD Wants Residents To Know Before Shooting Off Fireworks
If you are planning on shooting off fireworks this Fourth of July, here's what Huntersville Police say is legal, and what is not.
HUNTERSVILLE, NC — The Fourth of July holiday is just days away, and while this year's holiday will lack many of the more traditional large fireworks shows due to COVID-19, many families are planning to fire up their own pyrotechnic displays.
Fireworks in the community are already leading to complaints, Huntersville Police Department said recently.
Says HPD:
"NC General Statute § 14-410 (a) states, except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership or corporation to manufacture, purchase, sell, deal in, transport, possess, receive, advertise, use, handle, exhibit, or discharge any pyrotechnics of any description whatsoever within the State of North Carolina. "
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State law also includes some exemptions, which means some fireworks are legal for personal use, while others are not, it said.
SEE ALSO: Fireworks Near Me: Charlotte Metro's 4th Of July 2020
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Here's a list of legal fireworks, according to police:
- Fountains
- Dipped Sticks
- Glow Worms
- Sparklers
- Illuminating Devices
- Noisemakers
- Tube Devices
- Snappers
Illegal fireworks include Roman Candles, Rockets, M-80s, Cherry Bombs, Mortars and Firecrackers.
"If it leaves the ground, it's probably illegal," HPD said. "Also remember, the Town of Huntersville does have a noise ordinance, so please, be mindful of your community members who are trying to sleep"
State Fire Marshall and Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey also said residents should consider the risk of personal injury before setting off fireworks. Last year in North Carolina, there were 140 emergency department visits for fireworks-related injuries, according to the North Caolina Injury & Violence Prevention Branch.
“Many people think backyard fireworks are fun and that something dangerous will never happen," Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey said in a statement this week. "But that’s not the case. Fireworks are illegal because they’re dangerous and very unpredictable. That’s why fireworks should only be used by licensed, trained professionals.”
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