Fireworks have been an important part of Fourth of July celebrations in America since the first Independence Day in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. This Fourth of July will certainly be no exception as many will spread blankets and erect lawn chairs in parks, baseball fields and parking lots across the country looking up at the night sky to enjoy the show. Never a place to miss out on a good tradition, Savannah will undoubtedly have fireworks as an important part of its Independence Day celebration. The widespread use, availability, and variety of legal restrictions, however, can make purchasing fireworks a somewhat daunting task. Here are some tips and tricks:

Savannah’s close proximity to South Carolina, a state with laws very different from Georgia’s, can make it easy to end up in hot water. Georgia Code 25-10-1 addresses legal fireworks in the state and is summed up by Savannah Fire Department Public Information Officer, Mark Keller, who says, “The thumbnail is, if it projects itself, launches itself, launches a projectile or if it creates a report—a bang—it’s illegal in Georgia.” Certain types of non-exploding fireworks, however, are legal in the state. “Generally any type of sparkler or sparkling shower … those types of items are permitted under Georgia law,” explains Keller. To use any other type of fireworks in the state requires a court approved permit for which the application alone requires a $10,000 bond and a hefty insurance policy.
Violation of Georgia laws is a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines and other legal penalties. “Our best advice is to forgo the backyard celebrations and enjoy the staged fireworks displays that are put on by professionals,” says Keller.

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Written by: Mike Kelly
Photography by: Zac Henderson