File photo

With Independence Day fast approaching, Fayetteville officials are reminding residents about the rules and regulations regarding fireworks use inside the city limits.

This is the tenth year residents can buy fireworks in Fayetteville. The City Council in 2010 passed an ordinance allowing the sale of fireworks inside the city limits between June 28 to July 5.

The use of fireworks within Fayetteville is also legal, with some exceptions.

Fireworks may only be discharged on private property from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. July 1-3, and from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on July 4. Children under 16 years must have an adult present while shooting fireworks. Skyrockets or aerial fireworks attached to a stick (bottle rockets) may not be discharged within the city limits of Fayetteville.

Jeremy Ashley, Battalion Chief with the Fayetteville Fire Marshals Office, released the following safety tips for using fireworks:

Please be advised that the use of fireworks comes with the need for safety precautions. Safety depends on using them legally and responsibly. Therefore, taking extra precautions with consumer fireworks can prevent injury and property damage. Celebrations can become tragic when someone is injured by consumer fireworks. The Fayetteville Fire Marshals Office wants everyone to have a safe holiday; therefore, we ask that you please consider the following recommendations:

• Proceed with caution
• Provide an open area with a minimum of 50 feet of clearance from buildings, spectators, vehicles, and no overhanging foliage
• Discharge fireworks from a flat surface
• Have a working fire extinguisher and water hose on standby
• Don’t use fireworks if the item has been damaged or has been wet
• Read the label and instructions of each fireworks product
• Only use fireworks as intended; don’t try to alter them or combine them
• Don’t wear loose clothing or open-toe shoes
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix – just like having a designated driver, have a designated igniter
• If any person under 16 years of age is present while fireworks are discharged, an adult at least 21 years of age must supervise