ENTERTAINMENT

Fourth of July: Middle Tennessee fireworks laws you need to know

Staff reports
USA TODAY Network - Tennessee

Before you light that fuse on Independence Day, here's what to know about local fireworks laws.

Davidson County

There is a no-tolerance policy that bans shooting and selling fireworks within the borders of Davidson County, but purchasing and possessing fireworks will not be penalized.

Williamson County

Williamson County does not have any countywide noise ordinances. It leaves the jurisdiction over fireworks in the hands of individual municipalities. Here is an overview of how each city treats fireworks:

  • Brentwood: Similar to Davidson County, shooting and selling fireworks is prohibited but purchasing and possessing fireworks is allowed. The Brentwood Fire Department will conduct a fireworks patrol during the upcoming summer holiday season. One violation will result in a warning, a second violation will earn a police citation and fine along with an appearance in court.
  • Fairview: Class C ("common") fireworks may be used on July 3, 4 and 5 from noon to 11:00 p.m. on private property. Fireworks may not be lit with in 600 feet of "any church, hospital, asylum, public school, or park" or within 200 feet of a gas station. People using fireworks must be at least 16 years old and must ensure that the fireworks are safely ignited and the debris is contained.
  • Franklin: The town practices a no-tolerance stance on fireworks in its city limits. The town ordinance states that there shall be no "manufacture, sale, storage, and discharge of fireworks" within the town of Franklin. Any violation of this rule will result in a fine of $126 per offense. Sparklers are also considered to be fireworks. Franklin Fire Department Jamie Melton said, "We encourage people to enjoy professional displays," mentioning the planned show at The Park at Harlinsdale Farms.

Rutherford County

The sale and use of fireworks will be allowed during certain days of the summer holiday season. The days and times differ from town to town.

  • Murfreesboro: Fireworks may be discharged within city limits July 3-5 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Sales are allowed between June 28-July 5 from state-approved retailers.
  • Smyrna: Fireworks may be fired July 3-5 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with an extension to 11 p.m. on the night of Independence Day. Sales are allowed between June 20 and July 5.
  • La Vergne: Residents can use fireworks within city limits from July 2-5, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. On July 4, the time limit is extended to 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sales are allowed from June 20 and July 5.
  • Eagleville: No municipal codes currently address the discharge of fireworks, but the city is planning to change that after this year’s Fourth of July festivities, according to City Manager Hellyn Riggins.

Wilson County

The county will allow personal consumer fireworks during specific days at certain times.

  • Mt. Juliet: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through July 5.
  • Watertown: 8 a.m-10:30 p.m. July 1-7.
  • Lebanon: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., through July 5 (10 a.m.-11 p.m. on July 4). Those under 18 must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. No fireworks in close proximity to a school, church, or public building.
Candi Coleman, manager of the fireworks tent, speaks to Michael Rios, a Clarksville Fire Prevention Officer, when Rios visits to conduct an inspection at the TNT Fireworks tent at Madison St. and Memorial Dr. in Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

Montgomery County

  • Clarksville: Shooting fireworks is normally not allowed, but an exception is made for July 1-5 from 6-10 p.m.  They cannot be lit in public parks or recreational facilities, within 600 feet of a church or 200 feet of where fireworks are sold or stored. You must be at least 16 years old to buy fireworks.

Cheatham County

Fireworks are allowed to be shot in the county. Fireworks can be shot in city limits with some restriction.

  • Ashland City: Fireworks can be shot June 20 through July 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Dec. 10 through Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the exception of Jan. 1, which goes until 12:30 a.m.
  • Kingston Springs: Fireworks may be shot within city limits, but noise ordinances are in effect between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Sumner County

Fireworks may be set off only during certain days and times and some towns require permits.

  • Gallatin: July 1-3 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and July 4 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Hendersonville: A permit is required for any fireworks to be set off at all within city limits.
  • Millersville: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on July 3 and 5, and 9 a.m.-midnight on July 4.
  • Portland:  June 20-July 5 until 11 p.m.
  • Westmoreland: Fireworks may be set off two weeks before and after July 4.

Robertson County

  • Springfield: Fireworks are banned within the city limits.