Augusta Sheriff Urges Caution With Fireworks During Drought

• “The display of fireworks must be limited to the location or locations identified in the application and must, in each case, take place in a public park or other place open to the public.”
• “The use of fireworks must be carried out under the supervision and control of an expert in their handling.”
• “No fireworks display shall violate any law or ordinance regulating noise in the county.”

The sheriff's office also included the following home safety tips for legal fireworks:

• Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk, or other fire-resistant surface. Remember that fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or active fireworks.
• Never light fireworks in strong winds as sparks could cause a fire.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case sparks start a fire.
• Make sure children around fireworks know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Place sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on when hot or lost in the grass and trampled during play.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never attempt to relight fireworks that are not functioning properly or will not extinguish.
• Do not wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the reporter in charge of public transparency and justice at the News Leader. Do you have any suggestions or comments for us? Please feel free to send them to us by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to us on newsleader.com.