The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is raising awareness of the dangers posed by consumer fireworks and urging Tennesseans to leave the fireworks to the pros instead of risking their lives and possibly breaking the law by detonating fireworks themselves.
According to State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak, “July Fourth is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence with friends and family. The best way to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe Fourth is to join other community members in attending public fireworks displays put on by trained and licensed professionals.”
Shooting fireworks at home brings risks to people’s lives, health, and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks each Independence Day holiday. According to state fire data, fireworks caused 412 unintended fires and resulted in over $1 million in property damages and one death in Tennessee from 2013–2017.
If consumers choose to shoot fireworks themselves, they should familiarize themselves with local fireworks laws first. Several counties and cities in the Volunteer State have ordinances and restrictions related to fireworks usage. Before purchasing or detonating fireworks, the SFMO urges residents to check with their local police or fire department to determine local laws about fireworks.
In addition to local laws, Tennessee has several state laws pertaining to fireworks:
· A 2007 Tennessee law prevents children under 16 from purchasing fireworks. Those who are 16 or 17 must present a photo ID to purchase them.
· State legislation passed in 2011 reclassified sky lanterns as special fireworks exclusively for use by individuals with a professional license. The general public cannot purchase or use sky lanterns. If a sky lantern is found in the possession of someone who does not have a professional license issued by the SFMO, the device can be confiscated and destroyed.
· A law passed in 2015 prohibits flying a drone (unmanned aircraft) above an outdoor ticketed event with more than 100 people, or in the vicinity of a fireworks display site, without the permission of the event operator.
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
· Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
· Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
· Wear eye protection.
· Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
· Never throw or point fireworks at people or animals.
· Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.
· Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
· Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
· Sparklers are not toys and cause hundreds of injuries every year. Sparklers burn hot, can reach temperatures as high as 1,200° F, and stay hot long after they’ve burned out. You wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave or play with – so, don’t give a child a sparkler.
For more fire safety information and to download a State Fire Marshal’s Office calendar, visit www.tn.gov/fire.
