Residents speak out on proposed Lexington County fireworks ban
Residents spoke out Tuesday at a hearing on a proposed Lexington County ordinance that could make it illegal to shoot off fireworks in the county on all but a few days a year.
Under the terms of the proposal being considered by Lexington County Council, fireworks would be banned in the unincorporated areas of the county outside city and town limits, except under limited circumstances. Fireworks would still be permitted between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5, Dec. 24 and 25, and Memorial Day; as well as between 10 a.m. Dec. 31 and 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1, and during permitted public displays.
A burn ban issued by the county fire chief could still overrule any of the allowed times or displays, and anyone caught shooting fireworks outside the designated times and circumstances could be fined $150 per violation.
At Tuesday’s county council meeting, three people spoke in favor of the ordinance, while a dozen spoke in opposition to the proposal.
Supporters pointed to the potential dangers of fireworks as justifying more regulations, citing concerns that emergency personnel would not be able to respond quickly enough to fires or injuries in rural parts of the county. One noted it’s a nearly two-hour journey to the nearest burn center in Augusta, while another woman said that for a year an inoperable fire hydrant in her neighborhood had been covered with a trash bag. Pets and veterans suffering from PTSD can also have adverse reactions to loud fireworks, speakers said.
Others said the proposed ordinance encroached on their freedom to use fireworks as they wished on their own property, which is otherwise allowed by state laws and regulations. They argued less restrictive measures can be used to control any public nuisances associated with fireworks.
“In Richland County, fireworks are legal 365 days a year,” said fireworks seller Mike Hughes. In that neighboring county, officials depend on a noise ordinance and a 10 p.m. cutoff time to police nuisance complaints, Hughes said.
Some objected to the county selecting some specific holidays that can be celebrated with fireworks while implicitly closing the door on other celebrations, like Juneteenth, Cinco de Mayo or Chinese New Year. One man said his brother regularly traveled to Lexington County from Michigan every year for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, because the family can celebrate with fireworks here.
County Council Chair Beth Carrigg said the council had received 14 emails in advance of Tuesday’s hearing in favor of the ordinance and three in opposition. Councilwoman Charli Wessinger had also posted a poll in the One Chapin Facebook group where 89 were in favor and 42 opposed.
The fireworks ordinance received preliminary approval on June 27.
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