Fireworks Safety

Over the last few years, Georgia's laws regarding fireworks have changed and the following are now legal: 

• Wire or wood sparklers using 100 grams or less of explosive chemicals
• Sparkling items, which are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of explosive material or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple items
• Snake and glow worms
• Trick noise makers, which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops consisting of 0.25 grams or less of explosive mixture

Although these types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents should use extreme caution to avoid injury during this year's Independence Day holiday celebrations.

According to a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 200 injuries are reported daily in the month of July related to fireworks. On Independence Day, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, which means they could have been prevented. 

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services encourages you to attend a professional show instead of using fireworks yourself. If you are going to use fireworks, consider the following safety tips for using legal fireworks this holiday:

• Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision
• Always read and follow instructions printed on labels
• Only use fireworks outdoors
• Use fireworks in a clear, safe location away from homes and cars
• Be sure to have water handy
• Light one firework at a time
• Have a bucket of water and fire extinguisher nearby
• Submerge the spent fireworks in water for at least an hour before disposing of them
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never attempt to make your own fireworks
• Remember to call 911 in an emergency

Please note that the sale and use of most types of fireworks, including firecrackers, skyrockets, and cherry bombs, are illegal in Georgia and punishable by a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.