CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Fourth of July is right around the corner, so The City of Clarksville is acquainting residents with information about local fireworks ordinances, state laws, and fireworks safety.
In Clarksville, in accordance with City code Sec 10-218, fireworks may be exploded, fired, shot, or set off inside the City Corporate Limits from July 1 to July 5 between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Except for City conducted or sponsored events, it is unlawful for any person, organization, group, or entity to possess, use, explode, fire, shoot or set off any type of fireworks from within any City park, recreational facility, or property.
Also, it is unlawful for any person under 16 to use, explode, or possess any fireworks within the City Limits unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult at least 18.
Tennessee Code Annotated 68-104-112 also adds that it is unlawful to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, public school, or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold or offered for sale.
Additionally, no person may ignite or discharge any fireworks within or throw any articles of fireworks from a motor vehicle, or throw any ignited article of fireworks into or at a motor vehicle, or at or near any person or group of people.
Finally, the use of sky lanterns is prohibited. State law defines sky lanterns as special fireworks that can only be purchased and used by individuals with a professional license (such as a certified flame effect operator, certified outdoor display operator, or certified proximate pyrotechnic operator).
Though these lanterns can provide aesthetic value, they pose numerous hazards when they fall from the sky before their flame is fully extinguished. They can land on grass, trees, rooftops, powerlines, and other combustibles, which can ignite a destructive fire. Additionally, their fallen remains can pose a threat to livestock when consumed.
FIREWORKS RELATED INCIDENTS
From June 20, 2021, to July 5, 2021, Clarksville Fire Rescue had a total of seven confirmed firework-related service calls, with three more calls suspected to be caused by fireworks.
- Four dumpster fires were caused by igniting or improperly discarding fireworks.
- Two fires in vegetation.
- One fire involved a residential home.
The total estimated property loss was over $375,000 and an additional $200,000 in content loss.
SAFETY TIPS
Clarksville Fire Rescue offers these safety tips for handling fireworks:
- Know your fireworks, read the labels and understand the specifications before igniting.
- A responsible adult, 18 or older, should oversee and ensure the proper use of fireworks.
- Wear proper safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then move away.
- Ensure fireworks are used outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings, cars, or other potential hazards. Keep away from dry grass, brush, leaves, and flammable substances.
- Have a bucket of water, charged water hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
- Don’t relight a dud firework. Soak the firework in a bucket of water overnight to ensure proper safety.
- Fireworks should not be carried in your pocket or shot from metal or glass containers.
- Spent fireworks can still be a fire hazard, so wet them down and place them in a metal trash can away from a building or combustible materials.
- Be extra careful with sparklers, they can reach temperatures over 1,200 degrees.
Any citizen who witnesses fireworks used illegally or outside the permitted time should dial 9-1-1.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The City of Clarksville will present its annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 3rd at Liberty Park. The event will be free and open to the public. The park will open at 5 p.m. with activities and music beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with the firework show at 9:10 p.m.