Airborne fireworks or those that make a loud boom remain illegal in Pierre.
Pierre Volunteer Fire Department chief Ian Paul says last year the city commission made an exception because of COVID. He says this year, Pierre is back to only allowing small fireworks like sparklers and smoke bombs within city limits. The small fireworks may be discharged between July 1 and July 5.
Paul says bottle rockets and other airborne firecrackers often land on roofs or on property that isn’t within eyesight after launch, which poses a fire hazard– especially this year with the dry conditions. He says the extremely dry conditions have created a lot of fire fuel and even legal fireworks can cause an accidental fire.
The Pierre Fire Department offers the following fireworks safety tips to help keep celebrations safe:
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Young children should not handle or use fireworks.
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Teens using fireworks should be closely supervised by a responsible adult.
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Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
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Fireworks should be lit on a smooth, flat surface.
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Fireworks should not be used near buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.
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Safety glasses should be used for lighting fireworks.
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Never relight a “dud” firework; wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
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Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
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Water should be readily available.
Fourth of July fireworks sales are legal in South Dakota from June 27 through July 5. The final day to legally discharge fireworks– unless otherwise directed by city or county regulations– is July 11.
To view Pierre’s fireworks ordinance (8-1-113), visit cityofpierre.org.
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