JULY 5, 2023:
The Pierre Volunteer Fire Department was called to three small fires last night (July 4, 2023).
Chief Ian Paul says they involved fireworks that hadn’t been completely extinguished.
Paul shares some reminders on how to properly dispose of your fireworks.
Fourth of July fireworks sales are legal in South Dakota through July 5. They can legally be discharged through the first Sunday after July 4– which is July 9, 2023– unless otherwise directed by city or county regulations.
JUNE 27, 2023:
Discharging fireworks is allowed in Fort Pierre through Wednesday, but only certain types of fireworks and only during certain hours.
In Fort Pierre, no bottle rockets less than 14 inches total length or with a rocket motor length of less than two inches are allowed. No sky lanterns of any type or size are allowed.
Hours for discharging fireworks in Fort Pierre this year (2023) are:
- June 29, 30, July 1, 2 9am–10:30pm CT
- July 3 & 4 9am–midnight CT
- July 5 9am-10:30pm CT
Residents should always be careful and watch for grass fires.
The plan is to shoot off Fort Pierre’s big fireworks display right around 10pm CT on July 4. In the event that its raining or storming at that time, the display will be postponed until July 5 at 10pm CT.
Meanwhile in Pierre, airborne fireworks or those that make a loud boom remain illegal.
Fire Chief Ian Paul says city ordinance allows only small fireworks like sparklers and smoke bombs.
Unlike in recent years past, Pierre has had some timely rains, but Paul says that green grass does not mean there’s no fire danger from fireworks or their sparks.
Fireworks may only be discharged in Pierre between July 1 and July 5.
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. They can legally be discharged from June 27 through the first Sunday after July 4, which is July 9, 2023– unless otherwise directed by city or county regulations.
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