Brunswick County provides fireworks safety reminders for New Year’s Eve

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (News Release) — As the new year approaches, the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents and visitors to follow best safety practices and state laws concerning fireworks.

Officials recommend individuals avoid using personal fireworks and consider attending professional fireworks displays instead to best protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property. Professional fireworks displays and other holiday events in Brunswick County can be found on the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority website.

Fireworks Regulations & Safety Tips

Fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and mortars are illegal in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Forest Service, wildfires caused by fireworks can be prosecuted under the forest protection laws of North Carolina, and individuals may be subject to reimbursing the costs for fire suppression.

In general, fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, snake and glow worms, smoke devices, and novelty fireworks items that do not detonate or explode, do not spin, are hand‑held or ground‑based, and cannot propel themselves through the air are permitted for use in North Carolina. Individuals should make sure fireworks are legal in North Carolina prior to buying them, especially if purchased across state lines.

Individuals who live within a municipality or neighborhood should also check if there are local laws or property owners association rules for private fireworks celebrations.

The following fireworks safety practices can help prevent injuries or fires:

• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision, and follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Have water nearby for emergencies. Sparks and smoldering embers from fireworks can start fires.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Always light fireworks one at a time. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• Do not aim fireworks at trees, bushes, or hedges. Do not use fireworks near woods, dry vegetation, or any combustible material.
• Never use fireworks in neighborhood backyards or other crowded areas. Always use fireworks in a large, open, preferably paved, area or near a body of water.
• After fireworks complete their burning: To prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

Find more fireworks safety tips online at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/fireworks-safety. For questions, contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2041.

Always call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. For non-emergency fireworks concerns, contact your local police department or call the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency phone number at 910.253.7490.