Here's When Fireworks May Be Discharged In Georgia

GEORGIA — The hours when Georgia residents may shoot off fireworks is regulated by the State of Georgia and enforced by local authorities.

Consumer fireworks can be used or ignited on any day beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
Consumer fireworks can also be used or ignited on July 3 and July 4 after 9 p.m. and up to 11:59 p.m. And on New Year's Eve, fireworks can be used or ignited until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

The dates and times have been set out in House Bill 727 which was passed during the 2016 session of the Georgia General Assembly.

House Bill 727, also bans people from igniting fireworks on roads and highways and within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home and prisons.

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This is only a small portion of the law, review entire law and check with your local authority and Homeowners Association if applicable. For the definition of consumer fireworks and other information, please read the entire law.

“Firefighters are always concerned with the potential for personal injury or damage to
property due to fireworks,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.

For this reason, fire officials are urging citizens to attend public fireworks displays. Public
displays are conducted by licensed, trained and permitted pyrotechnicians. The sites are
approved through an application process and inspected by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

It's not just lighting the fireworks that's a danger, according to Gwinnett Fire Engineer Justin Wilson.

"You have to watch the way you dispose of the hot stuff," he said. "Usually people just throw it in a trash can, which is next to the house and the next thing you know your house is on fire."

Recommended Safety Tips from the National Council On Fireworks Safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

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