KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The new year is approaching, and some people are looking to stock up on fireworks to kick off 2024 with a bang.
However, it's important to know where it's legal to shoot fireworks and to follow safety precautions when using them. Children should not be allowed to ignite fireworks, including sparklers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommended keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fires.
People should not try to pick up fireworks that did not fully ignite, and they should make sure to light fireworks one at a time. People should also not drink or use drugs and light fireworks.
Also, keep your neighbors in mind and be considerate even if it is legal. Most people do not enjoy hearing loud pops and bangs at all hours of the night, particularly people with young kids, pets, noise sensitivities, and those trying to sleep.
It isn't legal to shoot fireworks everywhere in East Tennessee. Some counties ban them and many cities also have their own rules regarding whether people can shoot fireworks on special holidays like the New Year's holiday and the Fourth of July. A quick list of which counties and cities allow fireworks can be found below.
Can I shoot fireworks?
Anderson County - No. It is illegal to shoot fireworks without a permit in county areas.
- City of Oak Ridge: Nope. It is illegal to set off fireworks without a permit.
Blount County - Yes. It's legal in the county, except between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- City of Alcoa: Yes. Fireworks can only be shot on July 3 and July 4, or on December 31 and January 1 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Sales are also allowed from June 20 through July 5 and December 10 through January 2.
- City of Maryville: Yes. It is legal to shoot fireworks on private property on July 3, July 4, December 31 and January 1. They can only be fired from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. or until 1 a.m. specifically on the morning of New Year's Day. They cannot be used in any public area, street, road or parking lot.
Campbell County — Yes - It's legal to set off fireworks in county areas.
Cumberland County — Yes - It's legal to set off fireworks in county areas, and only legal to set off fireworks in city limits between June 20 and July 5 as well as Dec. 10 through Jan. 2.
Fentress County — Yes - It's legal to set off fireworks in county areas only.
Grainger County — Yes - it's legal to set off fireworks in county areas.
Greene County — Yes - it's legal to set off fireworks in county areas only.
Hamblen County — Yes - it's legal to shoot fireworks until 11 p.m. in county areas only.
- City of Morristown- Nope. It's illegal to shoot off fireworks at all times.
Knox County — No - It's illegal to sell and set off fireworks without a permit.
- City of Knoxville: No, and it's an emphatic no - It's illegal to sell and set off fireworks in Knoxville without a permit.
Loudon County — Yes - It's legal to set off fireworks in county areas.
McMinn County — Yes - it's legal to set off fireworks in county areas only.
- City of Athens: No - Illegal to set off fireworks.
Monroe County — Yes - it's legal to sell and set off fireworks in county areas.
Morgan County — Yes - it's legal to set off fireworks in county areas.
- City of Wartburg: Yes - you can shoot off fireworks until around 11 p.m.
Roane County — Yep. It's legal to set off fireworks in county areas as long as no structures are endangered.
- City of Kingston: Nope. Fireworks are not allowed to be set off in city limits.
Sevier County — Yes, but it's only legal to shoot off fireworks in county areas outside the below cities.
- City of Gatlinburg: No. It's illegal to set off fireworks
- City of Pigeon Forge: No. It's illegal to set off fireworks
- City of Sevierville: No. It's illegal to set off fireworks
Where can I buy fireworks?
People looking for "real" fireworks should head to Blount, Loudon and Sevier counties where sales are legal. Those are the three largest counties in East Tennessee that allow fireworks stores to set up shop, and those stores typically open up a few days before New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July.
Outside of those counties, there are some shops scattered around. People in the Cumberland Plateau can find shops in the Crossville area. There are also shops in Grainger County, Maynardville, Kodak, Seymour, and Blaine.
Most of these stores seem to be situated right outside the Knox County line... so here's a second reminder that it is illegal to shoot these fireworks off in Knox County or Knoxville.