A message from Volusia County Community Information
It’s an American tradition to have fireworks on Independence Day. But handling pyrotechnics yourself is dangerous.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in more than 9,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospitals emergency departments in 2018.
With public fireworks displays canceled or postponed across the county, Volusia County Fire Rescue officials are concerned that some families and neighborhoods may hold their own celebrations.
“We caution residents against using fireworks because they can cause fires and injuries,” said Fire Chief Howard Bailey. “With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in Florida, now is not the time to join in a large celebration. The coronavirus can spread even during outdoor parties.”
For information on Volusia County fireworks display cancellations and postponements, click here.
Fireworks and COVID-19 are a bad mix
If you decide to attend a neighborhood celebration anyway, make sure you wear a mask, maintain social distancing of at least six feet, and avoid gatherings of more than 50 people.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in April that makes setting off fireworks legal on Independence Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
However, the state law does not supersede local regulations.
Consumer-grade fireworks are banned on Volusia County’s beaches, where they not only leave a mess, they can frighten nesting sea turtles and cause birds to abandon their nests.
Even sparklers can be dangerous, Bailey noted. They burn at temperatures of 1,200 degrees, which is as hot as a blow torch. When children hold sparklers close to their bodies, they can burn their skin or set fire to their clothes. In fact, small children are at the highest risk for fireworks injuries.
Volusia County Fire Rescue offers these safety tips for residents who purchase consumer-grade fireworks:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from them.
- If a device does not ignite, don’t stand over it to investigate, and don’t try to relight it.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
- After fireworks stop burning, douse them with water from a bucket or hose.
- Finally, pick up all debris and spent fireworks.
“Please keep a watchful eye on the children as we celebrate of our nation’s independence,” Bailey urged.
Individual City Ordinances Restricting Fireworks:
Deltona Ordinance Sec. 42-215. – Discharge of fireworks or sparklers restricted.
(a) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks or sparklers within 100 feet of a temporary stand, LPG, flammable liquid or gas, storage or dispensing units.
(b) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks or sparklers within 20 feet of any residence, dwelling, or other structure.
(c) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks or sparklers in public rights-of-way, parks, or other public properties.
(Ord. No. 17-2004, § 1, 6-7-2004)
For the complete ordinance please click here.
New Smyrna Beach:
The NSBPD wants to remind everyone that personal fireworks are prohibited for use within the City of New Smyrna Beach (without a permit) by City Ordinance Sec. 14-303.
In short, by definition any type of firework that propels itself through the air or otherwise leaves the ground and/or explodes or makes noise in any way is not permitted for personal use within the city.
“Sparklers” that only emit a shower of sparks upon burning are permitted. For additional information on Fireworks please see Florida Statutes – Chapter 791 “Sale of Fireworks”
Sec. 12-3. – Possession, sale, etc., of fireworks unlawful.
(a) Fireworks defined. The term “fireworks” shall mean and include any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or, except as hereinafter provided, any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and shall include blank cartridges and toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel the same, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, daygo bombs, and smoke bombs, and any fireworks containing any explosives or flammable compound or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
(b) Sparklers, toy pistols, toy guns, etc., permitted. The term “fireworks” shall not include sparklers, toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper caps containing .025 grains or less or explosive compound are used, providing they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion, and toy pistol paper caps which contain less than .020 grains of explosive mixture, the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times.
(c) Violations. Any firm, co-partnership, corporation, or person who possesses, sells or uses fireworks within the city shall be guilty of a misdemeanor in the second degree and punishable as provided by law.
Find the ordinances regarding sale and possession here.
No person shall discharge, set fire to, or burn any fireworks as defined in F.S. § 791.01(4)(a) in the city. Read the rest of the city’s ordinance here.
Major Changes to 4th of July Celebrations in Volusia County
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