Beaufort County Officials Urge Safety for Independence Day Celebrations

Specific Regulations for Beaufort County

Residents planning to celebrate with fireworks must obtain the necessary permits from the local fire chief and the state fire marshal. In towns such as Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Port Royal, the discharge of fireworks is strictly prohibited without these permits. Furthermore, fireworks are banned on all beaches within Beaufort County to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

Fireworks Safety Recommendations

When using fireworks, safety should be a top priority. Key safety tips include:

• Children should never ignite fireworks or sparklers.
• Never ignite fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Light only one firework at a time and quickly move away.
• Keep a water source, such as a bucket or hose, nearby and soak used fireworks before disposal.
• Avoid relighting dud fireworks, and only use them outdoors, away from people and flammable materials.

Grilling Safety Tips

The Fourth of July weekend sees a spike in cooking incidents, as grills cause over 10,000 home fires every year in the U.S. To ensure safe grilling practices, consider the following precautions:

• Grill on a flat, fireproof surface, while keeping it away from homes and overhangs.
• Grilling should never be done indoors, including garages and covered porches.
• Check gas lines regularly for leaks and clean grease traps to reduce fire risk.
• Never leave the grill unattended while cooking.
• Allow grill coals to cool completely before disposal in a metal container.
• In rental properties, always verify specific rules regarding grilling.

Bonfire and Fire Pit Guidelines

In Beaufort County, bonfires and fire pits are permitted under certain conditions:

• Fire pits can be used without notification if they are contained and used for cooking.
• Larger bonfires require notification to the SC Forestry Commission.

Local ordinances dictate specific size limitations and distance requirements:

• Bluffton: Fires larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft. must be contained and adhere to local timing restrictions.
• Hilton Head: Fires cannot exceed 3 ft. wide and 2 ft. high and must be located at least 25 ft. from structures.
• City of Beaufort: Fires must not surpass 3 ft. in diameter and 2 ft. in height.
• Port Royal: Fires must be positioned 25 ft. away from any building.

General Fire Safety Practices

Regardless of the type of fire, adhere to these practices:

• Never leave fires unattended and keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Only burn dry, clean wood and extinguish all flames completely before leaving the site.

Reporting Safety Violations

Residents are encouraged to report any illegal burning or safety concerns by calling the SC Forestry Commission at 1-800-895-7062.

Pet Safety during Celebrations

The sound of fireworks can be unsettling for pets. To keep them safe during celebrations, secure pets in a safe room or crate, consider microchipping them in case they escape, and consult a veterinarian for advice on how to ease their anxiety.

Port Royal Independence Day Celebration

The Town of Port Royal will host an Independence Day Celebration at The Sands Beach featuring fireworks, food trucks, and live entertainment. Fireworks will commence around 9:15 PM, organized by East Coast Pyrotechnics. Free parking will be available on nearby streets, but restrictions apply, including bans on coolers and pets (except for service animals).

By adhering to these safety guidelines and regulations, residents and visitors can ensure a fun and safe Independence Day celebration in Beaufort County.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Article 309704830
• Eat Stay Play Beaufort: Fun Things to Do
• WJCL: Protecting Pets During Celebrations
• Explore Beaufort SC: July 4th Festivities
• MyFox8: Meet the Beloved Cook
• Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
• Google Search: Firework Safety Guidelines
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fourth of July
• Google Scholar: Safety Regulations Fireworks South Carolina
• Google News: Beaufort County Fireworks Celebration

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.