Want to shoot July 4 fireworks around Columbia? Here’s when and where you can
There are big fireworks shows in the Columbia area, but setting off your own fireworks remains a popular pastime around Independence Day. The rules regarding when and where they’re allowed differ depending on where you live.
Here’s what rules are in place around the Columbia area for shooting off fireworks around the upcoming holiday.
Richland County
Richland County doesn’t allow fireworks or other explosives to be set off in unincorporated areas overnight, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., with the exception of July 4, when fireworks are allowed until 1 a.m.
Fireworks should be set off responsibly, clear of any vehicles, structures or people. They are not allowed within 600 feet of a church, hospital or public school.
Lexington County
Lexington County has a similar set of rules for unincorporated areas. Fireworks can be set off any day of the year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On July 4, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, the cutoff is extended to 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. for New Year’s Eve.
City of Columbia
City officials don’t allow fireworks within the city between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., but noiseless products like sparklers don’t apply. The permitted hours are extended on July 4, when fireworks are allowed until 12:30 a.m.
The city’s rules for responsible usage are the same as those of Richland County.
City of Cayce
Cayce allows residents to shoot fireworks on July 4 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
It is illegal to shoot fireworks in Cayce except for within the allowed time frames on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.
City of Forest Acres
Forest Acres generally prohibits fireworks, but allows them on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
City of West Columbia
West Columbia generally prohibits the use of fireworks, except on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, when they are allowed between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Town of Irmo
Irmo is also usually against residents shooting fireworks but allows it for the evening of July 4. Fireworks are allowed from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Similar to the Columbia, these rules don’t apply to what Irmo calls “safe and sane” fireworks that are noiseless and non-projectile, such as sparklers.
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM with the headline "Want to shoot July 4 fireworks around Columbia? Here’s when and where you can."
