Fireworks Laws and Safety: What to Know Going into 4th of July Weekend

Before lighting fireworks this Fourth of July, it’s important to know what’s legal — and what’s safe. South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia all have different fireworks laws, and violating them can result in fines, injuries, or worse. More importantly, fireworks cause thousands of injuries nationwide every year, many involving burns, eye injuries, hand injuries, and permanent disfigurement.

As America’s 250^th Independence Day celebrations approach, understanding your state’s fireworks laws and following basic safety precautions can help keep the holiday memorable for the right reasons.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating fireworks-related injuries can be. If you or a loved one is injured because of someone else’s negligence, George Sink Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options.

Why Are Fireworks So Dangerous?

Many people underestimate how powerful consumer fireworks can be.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with injuries increasing significantly compared to previous years. Fireworks were also linked to 11 deaths nationwide.

The most commonly injured body parts were:

• Hands and fingers (36%)
• Head, face, and ears (22%)
• Eyes
• Arms and legs

Burns also accounted for more than one-third of all emergency room visits involving fireworks.

What Are the Most Common Fireworks Injuries?

The injuries we see most often are also some of the most preventable.

Common Fireworks Injuries

Injury Type	How It Happens
Burns	Direct contact with fireworks or sparks
Eye injuries	Flying debris or misfires
Hand injuries	Holding fireworks or premature explosions
Facial injuries	Standing too close to launch areas
Hearing damage	Loud explosions in close proximity

It’s important to note that sparklers aren’t as safe as they look.Many individuals, especially parents, view sparklers as harmless. But, in reality, sparklers can burn at temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt certain metals. In 2024 alone, an estimated 1,700 emergency room-treated injuries involved sparklers.

Which Fireworks Are Legal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia?

The answer depends entirely on which state you’re celebrating in.

Fireworks Laws by State:

State	What’s Legal?	What’s Restricted?
South Carolina	Most consumer fireworks, including aerial fireworks	Local restrictions may apply
North Carolina	Sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snakes, novelty fireworks	Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, aerial fireworks
Georgia	Most consumer fireworks	Certain local restrictions and prohibited locations

North Carolina remains one of the most restrictive states in the Southeast when it comes to consumer fireworks. Most aerial fireworks that are commonly sold in South Carolina and Georgia are illegal to possess or use in North Carolina.

When Can You Legally Shoot Off Fireworks?

Many people know what fireworks are legal but not when they can legally be used.

Fireworks Usage Hours

State	Year-Round Hours	July 4th Hours
South Carolina	No statewide hours are set by state law. Fireworks are generally legal year-round, but many cities and counties impose local noise ordinances that effectively limit use, often around 10 p.m. to 7–9 a.m.	Varies by local ordinance. Many jurisdictions provide holiday exceptions. For example, Greenville County allows fireworks from 10 a.m. on July 4 until 1 a.m. on July 5.
North Carolina	No statewide time restrictions for the limited fireworks that are legal (sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snakes, etc.). Most aerial fireworks remain illegal year-round. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.	Same as the rest of the year. July 4 does not create an exception allowing aerial fireworks. The same restrictions apply.
Georgia	10:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. statewide for consumer fireworks. Local noise ordinances may further restrict use on non-holiday days.	10:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. statewide on July 4. Some local jurisdictions may allow use until 1:00 a.m. on July 5, but the statewide rule is midnight.

*Always verify local city and county ordinances before using fireworks. Municipal restrictions may be stricter than state law.

How Can You Prevent Fireworks Injuries?

A few simple precautions dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury.

Fireworks Safety Checklist

• Keep children away from active fireworks
• Never relight a malfunctioning firework
• Maintain a safe distance after ignition
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
• Avoid alcohol while handling fireworks
• Only purchase legal consumer fireworks
• Use fireworks outdoors in open areas

Our team has observed that many serious injuries occur not because fireworks malfunction, but because users attempt to relight, hold, modify, or misuse them.

What Should You Do If Someone Else’s Fireworks Cause an Injury?

You may have legal options if another person’s negligence contributed to your injury.

Examples may include:

• Improper use of fireworks
• Launching fireworks too close to spectators
• Using illegal fireworks
• Failing to supervise children
• Using fireworks while impaired

In these situations, injured individuals may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future treatment costs

Quick Fourth of July Safety Checklist

Before lighting any fireworks, remember these five essentials:

1. Know your state’s fireworks laws
   
2. Keep spectators at a safe distance
   
3. Never hand fireworks to children
   
4. Have water readily available
   
5. Leave professional-grade displays to professionals

Pro Tip: The Safest Fireworks Show Is the One You’re Watching

Professional fireworks displays remain significantly safer than backyard fireworks because they are conducted by trained operators under controlled conditions.

Celebrate Responsibly This Fourth of July

Fireworks are a long-standing Fourth of July tradition, but they can also cause life-changing injuries in an instant.

Before celebrating, take a few minutes to understand your state’s laws, follow basic safety precautions, and think twice before using fireworks in a way that could endanger others.

The best Fourth of July memories come from celebrating safely—not spending the holiday in an emergency room.

Injured by Someone Else’s Fireworks? George Sink Injury Lawyers Can Help.

If you or a loved one suffers an injury because someone else used fireworks irresponsibly, you may have legal rights.

Unfortunately, we understand how serious fireworks-related injuries can become. From burns and eye injuries to long-term medical complications, the consequences can be significant.

George Sink Injury Lawyers can help you better understand your options and prevent your options from fizzling out.

Call 843-999-9900 today for a free consultation or contact us online. You focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.