Fireworks stands to begin selling in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. – A recently passed ordinance by the City of Jackson is providing residents the ability to buy fireworks from vendors inside the city limits.

“For years the City of Jackson has had an ordinance in place where the use and sale of fireworks has been illegal,” said Latrell Billingsley, Fire Marshal.

With the passage of the ordinance, that is no longer the case in Jackson. The ordinance allows for the seasonal sale and use of fireworks within the city limits, but there are restrictions that citizens and vendors need to follow.

The sales period for firework vendors is June 20 – July 5, from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily and will also be allowed from December 18 – January 2 from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.

Citizens will have the opportunity to use those fireworks from June 30 – July 5 and December 28-January 2. During these days, the fireworks can be used from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. The hours vary a little on July 4 and on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks can be fired from 11 a.m. on July 4 to 12:30 a.m. on July 5 and from 11 a.m. on December 31 to 12:30 a.m. on January 1.

These hours and policy only applies to the City of Jackson. The regulations for residents outside the city limits in Madison County could vary.

When using fireworks and celebrating the holidays, residents are encouraged to take all safety precautions and be mindful of pets and neighbors.

“Safe distances when you are lighting them (fireworks). Make sure that the parents are the ones that are lighting them. Make sure your yard is free from all brush and things that can burn. You don’t want to light your fireworks next to any structures or utilities that can catch fire,” said Billingsley.

Some additional safety tips when using fireworks are:

• Only use consumer fireworks approved by Tennessee state law
• Never ignite fireworks near dry grass, structures, or flammable materials
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire
• Supervise all fireworks activity – especially when children are present

Be mindful of pets and neighbors:

• Many pets are sensitive to loud noises so consider notifying your neighbors if you plan to use fireworks and what times you will be using them.
• Make sure to bring all pets indoors during fireworks to prevent stress, escape, or injury
• Be courteous and mindful of neighbors and others when choosing your time and location of your celebration

It is also important to clean up after your celebration. Fireworks leave debris and trash that can liter public places, be blown into your neighbor’s yards, and clog storm drains.

“Make sure that you wet them down before disposing of them. Things can rekindle or light back up. They are still hot after you light them and use them too,” said Billingsley.

He said the city will be inspecting each location that has a permit to sale fireworks to ensure they are operating safely.

“We will be making our rounds to visit these locations sporadically to make sure they are adhering to the inspection that we are requiring them to have,” said Billingsley.

Each location is required to have fire extinguishers, clear entrances and exits, insurances, and proper tents.

For more information on the city ordinance and restrictions, click here. 

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