Clayton Fire Supports Safe Celebrations This Fourth of July
As Independence Day approaches, the Clayton Fire Department encourages everyone to enjoy fireworks responsibly while following North Carolina laws.
Only certain types of fireworks are legal in the state. Residents may use sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and poppers – fireworks that stay on the ground and do not explode. Fireworks that fly into the air or create loud explosions, such as bottle rockets, roman candles, and firecrackers, are prohibited.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or use these fireworks in North Carolina. They are allowed only between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on July 4, when the permitted time extends until midnight.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 10,000 people across the country are injured each year while using fireworks at home. Many injuries involve hands, fingers, and faces, with children and teenagers most often affected.
Even sparklers, which seem harmless, burn at nearly 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt metal and cause serious burns. Captain Bryan Belvin, Community Risk Reduction Specialist with the Clayton Fire Department, says children who frequently wave sparklers around, run with them, or try to hand them off increase the chance of accidents.
“Burns are some of the most common and painful injuries we see, especially among children who may not understand the dangers,” said Belvin. “Kids sometimes get hurt by waving sparklers too close to themselves or others. It is important for adults to supervise closely and teach children how to stay safe around fireworks.”
To help prevent injuries and fires, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use fireworks only outdoors and keep them away from buildings, trees, and dry grass.
- Never attempt to relight a firework that fails to ignite.
- Always keep fireworks pointed away from people to avoid accidents.
- Secure pets indoors to protect them from loud noises and prevent them from running off.
- Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them in the trash.
“Each year, we respond to calls about fireworks that were discarded while still hot,” Captain Belvin added. “These leftover sparks can quickly start fires that spread to homes or yards. We even had one case where dry grass near a neighborhood caught fire. Incidents like this happen more often than many realize.”
Belvin adds that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch professionals handle the show. The Town of Clayton invites everyone to the Square-to-Square Street Festival and Fireworks event on Friday, July 4, in Downtown Clayton. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9:15 p.m. The event features food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.
A lifelong Clayton resident, Belvin says his favorite part of the festival is seeing the community come together. “We enjoy being part of this event, meeting people, and helping everyone have a safe and memorable celebration.”
For more information about the Town’s Independence Day festivities, visit the Square to Square Event Page or follow the Facebook Event Page for the latest updates.
