Tips to stay fire safe on July 4th in Beaufort County
With the Independence Day weekend right around the corner, many are preparing to grill hot dogs, roast marshmallows by a fire and watch fireworks light up the night sky. But with all the fun comes the responsibility of keeping your holiday celebrations safe.
Whether you’re a resident or visitor looking to celebrate the holiday weekend, here’s your guide to safely enjoying July 4th festivities involving fireworks, grills and bonfires this year.
Fireworks
South Carolina Fireworks Law
In South Carolina, anyone 16 or older may purchase and use consumer fireworks daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., so long as they are used safely and correctly.
On July 4th and New Year’s Eve, fireworks are allowed until 1 a.m.
However, some local laws take precedence in these uses. Here’s what to know about firework laws in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Fireworks Ordinances
Across all areas of Beaufort County, fireworks cannot be discharged without a permit issued by the local fire chief and the state fire marshal.
Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort and Port Royal all prohibit firework use without proper permits or approval from the respective city councils.
Fireworks are banned on all beaches in Beaufort County.
Sparklers are allowed without a permit, but just make sure to use them safely and as instructed.
Fireworks Safety Tips
The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to stay safe around sparklers and firework shows:
Never let children ignite fireworks or sparklers.
Never use fireworks while under the influence.
Light one device at a time and move away quickly.
Keep a water source nearby.
Douse used fireworks before disposal.
Never relight or handle duds.
Use fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes, and flammable materials.
Grilling
Grills are responsible for over 10,000 home fires annually in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. The risk peaks during summer months.
No matter if you’re planning to cook up a holiday burger bar or champion the hot dog eating contest, here are some practical safety tips from the NFPA to keep in mind when grilling:
Always grill on a flat, fireproof surface.
Keep grills away from homes, fences, trees and overhangs.
Never grill inside garages or under covered porches.
Regularly check gas lines for leaks and clean grease traps.
Never leave the grill unattended.
Let coals cool completely before discarding in a metal container.
If you smell gas, turn everything off and inspect before reusing.
No notification is needed for grilling in approved enclosures, including chimineas, fire pits or fireplaces built of non-combustible materials.
Visiting or staying in a rental?
Some rental properties and HOAs do not allow charcoal or gas grills.
Always check with your property manager or HOA for specific rules.
Many resorts provide communal grills—inquire before bringing your own.
Bonfire & Fire Pits
If you’re looking to hold a recreational bonfire or fire pit, make sure to adhere to all general safety rules, fire size and precautions in Beaufort County:
Fire pits and portable fireplaces are allowed without notifying the SC Forestry Commission if they’re used for food or in approved enclosures.
Larger burns require notification to the SC Forestry Commission.
Before burning, call the automated burn line from the SC Forestry Commission hotline to ensure weather conditions are safe to burn. In Beaufort County, that number is 1-800-895-7062.
Fires larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft. are considered bonfires.
Fires must be contained in a noncombustible pit or barrel and be 100 ft. from structures.
Bonfires can’t exceed 6 ft. high by 12 ft. wide or last more than 3 hours.
Fires must end by midnight.
No fires allowed on beaches.
Fires can be no larger than 3 ft. wide x 2 ft. high and be at least 25 ft. from structures.
Fires that illuminate the beach must be extinguished by 10 p.m. from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Fires must be 3 ft. in diameter and 2 ft. in height or smaller.
No burning of multiple piles.
Fire must be 25 ft. from any structure on the property.
Other practical tips to keep in mind, no matter where you have a fire pit or bonfire, include:
Never leave fires unattended.
Have a water source or extinguisher nearby.
Only burn dry, clean wood.
Extinguish all flames before leaving.
Reporting & Emergency Info
For grills and fire pits, it is recommended to have fire safety kits with a fire extinguisher, water source and first aid kit readily accessible when grilling or using a fire pit.
To report illegal burns or concerns in Beaufort County, call the SC Forestry Commission: 1-800-895-7062.
For enforcement issues in unincorporated areas, contact Beaufort County Code Enforcement.
To learn about fire safety tips all year long, click here.
