What you need to know about fireworks in Middle Tennessee this year – Tennessean
Ever since they were first authorized for use in the celebration of American independence in 1777, fireworks have been a must-have at July Fourth events across the nation, and Tennessee is no exception. As social distancing continues and many professional fireworks shows are cancelled, commercial fireworks present an alternative.
Where to find fireworks in Middle Tennessee
- Sarge’s Fireworks, Ashland City
- SureFire Fireworks has several locations near Nashville, in Lebanon, Goodlettsville and Old Hickory
- Little Big Bang Fireworks, Mt. Juliet
- Fireworks Supermarket has locations in White House, Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, Smyrna, Lebanon, Franklin, Thomson’s Station, Kingston Springs, La Vergne and more
- Hee Haw Fireworks, Goodlettsville
- TNT Fireworks Supercenter has locations in Murfreesboro and La Vergne
- Phat Phil’s Extreme Fireworks in Nolensville
- Capital Fireworks, Franklin
Hold your fire (and your smoke)
The State of Tennessee leaves most fireworks regulations to counties and municipalities; however, there are some statewide ordinances you should be aware of before you launch any explosives this July Fourth.
Tennessee prohibits the sale of fireworks without an annual license from the State Fire Marshal’s office. Only Department of Transportation class “C” fireworks, also known as “consumer grade” or “1.4g” fireworks are allowed to be sold in the state.
How do you know if it’s consumer grade? It should say it on the packaging.
Smoking is not permitted within 10 feet of fireworks, and it is unlawful to sell fireworks to a person under 16 years of age or who is intoxicated.
In Middle Tennessee, the rules for launching fireworks vary from city to city.
Davidson County
Residents are not permitted to buy, sell, or use fireworks in Davidson County.
Williamson County
Williamson County leaves the jurisdiction over fireworks to the individual municipalities. For Franklin and Brentwood, that means no fireworks purchases, possession, or sales. Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill, and Nolensville do allow fireworks on July Fourth, with some restrictions posted on their governments’ respective websites.
Rutherford County
Rutherford County does allow the sale and use of fireworks during designated holidays, but the dates and times vary: Mufreesboro allows residents to launch fireworks between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3-5; Smyrna and La Vergne allow fireworks on private property from July 2-5, not in proximity to a church, school, hospital, asylum, gasoline station or wholesale retailer. La Vergne also has a noise ordinance in place after 11 p.m.
Wilson County
Wilson County allows consumer use of fireworks on designated holidays, including July Fourth. Mt. Juliet permits fireworks between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. June 20 through July 5; in Watertown, fireworks are permitted between 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. July 1-7. Lebanon does not permit the use of fireworks except in authorized public displays.
Montgomery County
Fireworks may be shot off in Clarksville July 1-5, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. by anyone over 16 years of age and not on or near public property, churches, or in 200 feet of where fireworks are sold or stored.
Cheatham County
Ashland City permits fireworks through July 7 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., while in Kingston Springs you’re allowed to launch fireworks on private property until 10:30 p.m.
Sumner County
In Gallatin, fireworks are permissible before 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. July Fourth. Hendersonville permits fireworks on July 1-3 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on July Fourth. In Millersville, you can shoot off fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and July 5, and until midnight July Fourth and the first Saturday following July Four. Portland permits fireworks on private property between June 20 and July 5.
Robertson County
Fireworks are not allowed in Springfield city limits.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following safety tips for using consumer fireworks:
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Published 6:00 AM EDT Jun 27, 2020
