How late can you go? Fireworks rules vary per community

Independence Day is next week and county residents may want to celebrate by shooting off fireworks.

Multiple public fireworks shows are planned across the county, but residents have the right to shoot off their own legal fireworks on certain days and times on their own properties and properties where they have permission to do so.

Shooting off fireworks is allowed in all communities, but local rules govern when residents can use their own fireworks. The consequences of not following the rules could mean a fine, according to local police agencies.

Police departments are used to getting calls from residents complaining about firework usage, officers said. This is prime time for questions and concerns.

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"It is just constant in July, people who complain about fireworks," said Matt Fillenwarth, assistant Greenwood police chief.

Here is a look at some of the firework rules in the county and the state law:

Franklin

Franklin’s rules closely mirror’s state law, Franklin Police Deputy Chief Chris Tennell said.

Residents can use fireworks between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset between Saturday and July 9. If you’re wondering how late that is, the Farmer’s Almanac said the sun will set at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, meaning fireworks can be set off until 11:15 p.m. 

July 4 has extended hours, with residents allowed to shoot off fireworks for 14 hours, from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Residents should also be aware that consumer fireworks can only be shot off on personal property and by someone at least 18 years old, Tennell said.

Greenwood

Residents in Greenwood can shoot off fireworks starting between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset, now through July 11.

Their rules on July 4 are identical to Franklin’s rules.

Johnson County

Unincorporated areas of the county and towns that do not have separate rules follow the state law, Sheriff Duane Burgess said. 

State law says residents can shoot off fireworks between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily, except for July 4 and New Year’s Eve, when fireworks are allowed until midnight, he said.

Local ordinances would be favored over state law, if a local ordinance is in place, Burgess said.