Clarksville residents have a limited window to use fireworks legally around the Fourth of July, and city officials are telling people to check the rules before lighting anything near a home.
Under City Code Sec. 10-218, fireworks may be exploded, fired, shot, or set off inside the city limits only from July 1 through July 5, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., according to Clarksville Now.
Clarksville Fire Rescue and the City of Clarksville say fireworks are not allowed in city parks, recreational facilities, or city property unless they are part of a city-conducted or city-sponsored event.
Fireworks rules vary by city, county, HOA, and apartment community, but the same home-safety concerns apply in neighborhoods across the country. Sparks, falling debris, dry grass, roofs, fences, parked cars, pets, and nearby homes can all be affected by one careless launch.
Children Under 16 Need Adult Supervision
City officials say anyone under 16 cannot possess or use fireworks in Clarksville unless directly supervised by an adult who is at least 18.
Tennessee law also prohibits igniting fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, or public school, or within 200 feet of a place where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale.
Fireworks Cannot Be Thrown From Cars
Clarksville Fire Rescue reminds residents that fireworks cannot be ignited inside a motor vehicle, thrown from a vehicle, or thrown toward a vehicle, person, or group of people.
That rule applies well beyond city streets. Neighborhood roads, cul-de-sacs, apartment parking lots, and crowded driveways can turn a firework into a vehicle, pedestrian, or property hazard.
Spent Fireworks Can Still Start Fires
Fire officials recommend reading labels, using fireworks only outdoors in a clear area, and keeping them away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass, brush, leaves, and other flammable material.
A bucket of water, charged hose, or fire extinguisher should be nearby before anything is lit. Dud fireworks should not be relit.
Used fireworks should be soaked with water and placed in a metal trash can away from buildings or combustible material. Sparklers need close supervision because Clarksville Fire Rescue says they can reach temperatures over 1,200 degrees.