Lexington has new rules for fireworks. Here’s when you can and can’t shoot ‘em
Lexington residents now have the freedom to set off fireworks during major holidays, or at least clearer guidelines for doing so.
Lexington Town Council on Monday gave final approval to a new ordinance that allows fireworks to be shot off within the town limits during certain holidays, clearing up what had been a gray area in the law.
Previously, the town had allowed police some discretion in when and how they would enforce rules against lighting fireworks in the town limits. But town officials wanted to put down set times and dates in an ordinance they felt would be easier to enforce.
“Historically, our town has used the noise ordinance to police the discharge of fireworks, and that allowed a lot of discretion to be given on certain holidays,” said Councilman Todd Lyle in introducing the measure at the town council’s October meeting.
The ordinance approved Monday says that fireworks will now be permitted between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which can fall on variable dates during autumn, and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Last year, Lexington County Council adopted a similarly worded ordinance for fireworks displays in the unincorporated parts of the county, walking back from a near-total ban on private fireworks otherwise. The county ordinance allows fireworks to be lit between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, with later cut-off times for July 4 and New Year’s.
That ordinance does not cover Diwali, although the holiday was cited by one resident who spoke out against tighter fireworks restrictions at a hearing last year.
County residents at the time spoke in favor of a fireworks ban out of concerns about the dangers of fireworks, including fears that emergency personnel would not be able to respond quickly enough to fires or injuries in rural parts of the county. Pets and veterans suffering from PTSD can also have adverse reactions to loud fireworks, speakers said.
Opponents said a ban would impose on residents’ rights to use fireworks on their own property that are otherwise allowed by state law, was more restrictive than neighboring counties, and did not allow for other holidays residents might want to celebrate with fireworks.
This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 12:04 PM.
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