The symbology surrounding firework displays ignites a sense of patriotism throughout the country this time of year.
As many plan to attend large firework displays or set up smaller displays in their backyards, the rules and regulations can sometimes get confusing.
They differ from state to state, and each city is allowed to have different rules than the county in which it is located.
Some government officials hope to update and clarify the rules for Carter Countians celebrating the nation’s independence with fireworks this year.
An Elizabethton city ordinance states that setting off fireworks is allowed between June 20 and July 5.
It also states that no fireworks can be discharged from 11 p.m. until noon.
There is a $50 fine associated with breaking these rules, Elizabethton Police Department Chief Greg Workman said.
“We do typically have some calls complaining about fireworks,” Workman said. “If it could cause property damage, we have them relocate.”
Workman encourages officers to use common sense when fireworks are involved in their police work. Officers are not trying to stifle anyone’s celebration of the nation’s independence, he said.
“People enjoy setting off fireworks this time of year,” Workman said. “They just need to be safe in doing it and cannot disturb other people.”
When it comes to safety, Workman said adults are required to supervise all children handling fireworks under 14 years old.
Carter County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Amos Halava recently conducted some research about the county’s firework rules.
In the county, the rules are more vague. There’s no noise ordinance associated with fireworks, Halava said.
The information Halava came up with for the county actually falls more into line with the state’s rules.
Fireworks and cars do not mix, according to Halava. They cannot be ignited or thrown inside of a vehicle. Fireworks also cannot be thrown from a vehicle and should never be thrown at a person or group of people.
It is also unlawful to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, public school or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold or offered for sale.
Also, sky lanterns, which are classified as fireworks, are illegal due to the possibility of causing brush fires.
In order to set off fireworks, obviously they need to be purchased from a retailer or a firework tent.
It is state law that a person must be at least 16 years old to purchase fireworks. Vendors cannot sell them to an intoxicated person or a person who is known to be irresponsible.
The sale of fireworks is permitted in both the city and county and there are plenty of locations from which to choose.
The county’s volunteer fire departments hold firework sales as fundraisers to help them purchase equipment.
Some other locations to purchase fireworks in the county are:
Wayne’s Fireworks — 201 First Ave., Hampton
Granny’s Fireworks — 1948 Bristol Hwy., Watauga
TNT Fireworks — Elizabethton Ingles and Walmart parking lots
There are also several more fireworks tents set up throughout the county.