Horry County Fireworks Laws
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – You may have to think twice before setting off fireworks on the beach soon. «We love to see fireworks. It`s not like it`s much, you can sometimes see it from one end to the other,» said Horry County resident Ray Walston. Under the new law, fireworks are allowed on private property between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., subject to the owner`s permission, and until 12:30 p.m. on July 5 and New Year`s Day. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) – Horry County Council approved the second reading of an ordinance banning fireworks Tuesday night.
The county ordinance reflects the city of Myrtle Beach and limits when and where fireworks can be used. Horry County Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance restricting the use of fireworks in the county. In Myrtle Beach, it is illegal to shoot or launch fireworks at people, animals, structures or vehicles, including golf carts. According to county leaders, one of the reasons for the ordinance is to reduce pollution on and around the county`s beaches. Looking for professional fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in Myrtle Beach? Click here. Minors must not set off fireworks at any time or place unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The $250/$500 fine also applies to «dangerous intent» fireworks offences. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – South Carolina`s fireworks regulation law was recently amended and Myrtle Beach has updated its ordinance to comply. The order would prohibit the lighting of fireworks in certain areas of the county due to complaints or requests from residents. This regulation, if fully adopted, will not apply to sparklers or small fireworks on the ground. If passed after third reading, there will be a fine for those who set off fireworks in the zones.
«If a community or a group of residents comes to their city council and says, look, we don`t want firecrackers fired in our community, and what they`re going to do is they`re establishing a geography of that area, who lives in that area, who doesn`t live in that area, and they`re going to pull a little box or whatever, Then the county council will bring it to the county council. You`re going to pass it and it`s going to be a fireworks-free area,» Vaught said. Under the ordinance, fireworks would be prohibited every day between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., with the exception of certain public holidays. The city completely bans beach fireworks and other public property. «There are people who are veterans, there are animals and it affects everyone. It`s just important to let the public know that you can`t just set off fireworks all night and keep residents up all night,» Howard said. It is also illegal to shoot or launch fireworks from a vehicle or to fire personal fireworks within 500 feet of a church, hospital or school, or within 300 feet of a gas station or store selling flammable products. The city`s new rule allows fireworks on private property with time and time restrictions. Howard says they`re also residents and visitors who might be bothered by the sound of fireworks going out late at night. Councillor Johnny Vaught said it would focus on complaints. In another action at Tuesday night`s meeting, the council said: District 3 Councilman Dennis DiSabato said he has received several requests from Carolina Forest residents who are in favor of adding a «No Fireworks» zone.
The council also approved a resolution in support of Ukraine introduced by District 4 City Councillor Gary Loftus. He explained why it was important to pass a resolution condemning Russia for its unprovoked attack and invasion of Ukraine. The regulation must go through two more readings before it can be adopted. Walston says he and his wife visit Garden City Beach almost every night. His wife is still recovering from COVID-19. Violations of the new law are now a civil offence instead of a misdemeanor, with a fine of $250 for the first offence and a fine of $500 for the second and subsequent offences in the same year. «She caught COVID a few years ago and was on oxygen for a year and a half. She leaves. We felt like the salty air was helping their lungs,» Walston said. Fireworks are not permitted on the beach or other public property, except for professional shows approved by the Fire Marshal. «Garbage and pollution are very important to keep them off the beaches and we try to keep the beaches clean. But it`s not just that, it could start fires,» said District 2 Councilman Bill Howard.