There are limits to fireworks use in Columbus over July 4th. Here’s what the law says

Fireworks are just part of a Southern summer, but Georgia law and Columbus city ordinance don’t always agree, and the gap between them is where well-intentioned people can get fined, or worse, burned.

Here’s what’s actually allowed, and where and when it’s safest.

What is legal in Georgia

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 25-10-1, et seq.) lets adults 18 and older buy and use consumer fireworks statewide, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets, and sparklers.

The guidelines

• Anyone purchasing or possessing fireworks must be at least 18.
• Standard hours statewide: 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Extended to midnight on July 3 and July 4; New Year’s Eve fireworks can run until 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

Columbus has stricter rules than the state

Inside Columbus city limits, anything that explodes, leaves the ground, or flies through the air is banned, regardless of what state law allows elsewhere in Georgia.

On standard days, you are allowed to use the approved items from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. under Columbus’s noise ordinance, but these hours are extended to midnight on July third and fourth 4 and New Year’s.

Banned in city limits:

• Firecrackers
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Skyrockets
• Anything aerial or explosive

Allowed in city limits:

Columbus allows ground-based, non-aerial novelties only.

• Sparklers
• Fountains
• Snakes
• Snaps
• Smoke devices

If you want a more elaborate firework show, you’ll have to leave the consolidated government’s limits to set them off legally or request a permit. The Fire Marshal’s Office under Columbus Fire & EMS Community Risk Reduction Division handles permits and enforcement.

Areas you may never use fireworks

State law and Columbus ordinance both prohibit discharging fireworks:

• Indoors
• On public roads, streets, or highways
• Within 100 yards of gas stations, power stations, hospitals, or nursing homes
• On any city- or state-owned property, including parks, without written permission

Stay safe and take precautions

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire offers some safety tips for fireworks.

• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby at all times because spent fireworks can reignite.
• Light fireworks on asphalt or dirt, away from dry grass, trees, and structures.
• Adults only handle anything pyrotechnic; supervise kids closely even with sparklers.
• Soak dry lawns ahead of time if you’re in a drought-prone area.
• Let used fireworks cool completely before tossing them in the trash.

If you’d rather watch a professional show, there are many budget-friendly options around town. Let me know how you plan to celebrate the holiday and all your fireworks plans.

Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.