SIOUX FALLS — Despite a chance for storms on the nation’s birthday, it remains likely that residents across Sioux Falls, the state and country are planning on lighting off fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Though a time-honored tradition, most cities in southeastern South Dakota have rules and regulations for when, where and even what kind of fireworks are allowed to be shot off.
Under city ordinance, the use of fireworks within the city limits are prohibited with the exception of sparklers, snakes and other fireworks that do not have an audible report, projectile or launching component.
Despite those rules, the Sioux Falls Police Department responds to hundreds of fireworks calls annually.
“The number of firework calls really varies, but I’d say 200 to 300 calls around the Fourth is about average,” said police spokesman Sam Clemens. “It’s basically a buildup over the days leading up to the Fourth, then the highest number is on the Fourth itself.”
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Last year, Clemens said police received just 80 calls regarding fireworks, but that the number tends to rise and fall year-to-year.
While the city will staff extra officers on patrol this Independence Day weekend, Clemens has said in the past that fireworks calls can be tricky to work.
“The challenge with fireworks calls, especially when it comes to writing citations, is the officers have to see people lighting off the fireworks,” Clemens said in a police briefing on July 5, 2022. “If they don't see somebody lighting off the fireworks, but it’s pretty obvious they have been lighting them off, that's where the education comes in and they let people know that they’re not allowed to do that.”
Clemens told Sioux Falls Live that getting caught lighting off fireworks could result in a fine of up to $132.50. Just two tickets were issued last year, he said.
The Sioux Falls Police Department and Sioux Falls Fire Rescue caution those handling fireworks to ensure safety measures are in place to protect participants and to always be prepared to extinguish a fire.
Not living in Sioux Falls? Here’s a look at fireworks ordinances in surrounding areas:
Rural Lincoln and Minnehaha County
Under South Dakota law, consumer use of fireworks is allowed between June 27 until July 9 — the first Sunday after July 4. It is also allowed from Dec. 28 through Jan. 1. Use of fireworks outside of those dates is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up $500, jail time or both.
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Baltic
City ordinance allows for the use of fireworks in Baltic between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July. The city issued a reminder that fireworks are not recyclable and that charges could be issued if garbage cans are damaged from fireworks.
Brandon
Those within Brandon city limits may use fireworks July 3-4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Firework usage may not occur on any public sidewalk, street, alleyway or property and cannot be used on private property without permission from the property owner.
Canton
Canton residents can shoot fireworks from July 1 through July 4, with a cutoff of 11 p.m. Saturday through Monday and a 10 p.m. deadline on the holiday. The city asks those partaking to clean up after themselves and says debris left in the streets could result in a fine.
Dell Rapids
The City of Dell Rapids allows for the discharge of fireworks inside Dell Rapids city limits on, and only on, the Fourth of July between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Violations could result in a minimum fine of $25 per violation.
Garretson
Garretson allows the discharge of fireworks within city limits only on July 4. Fireworks must not be used on public property without the permission of the city council.
Harrisburg
The Harrisburg City Council recently updated their fireworks guidelines, with changes taking effect June 28. Fireworks are permitted in the city from noon to 11 p.m. between June 30 and July 4. The city said that while loud fireworks are allowed, not everyone will appreciate them and asks that neighbors be mindful and considerate of one another.
Hartford
The discharge of fireworks is allowed in Hartford between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. from July 2-5.
Lennox
Fireworks are not allowed to be used within the City of Lennox.
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Tea
Fireworks are allowed in Tea city limits between noon and midnight July 3- 5. The city does not allow fireworks to be shot from the middle of the street, citing traffic concerns.
South Dakota State Parks
The use of fireworks in state parks is prohibited without written authorization from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
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