I-Team investigates what fireworks are legal in North Carolina
HAMER, S.C. (WTVD) -- There was no shortage of North Carolinians who journeyed to "South of the Border" Thursday afternoon to prep for the Independence Day weekend.
Rockets and mortars were in many carts, including one belonging to a Raleigh woman who didn't want to be identified beyond her first name, Tammy.
"I spent $459. That's what I spent," said Tammy. "I know. I know. It's against the law to set these off in North Carolina."
However, Tammy and other North Carolinians said the risk of consequences is worth it.
"The kids love this stuff. They don't love the things that go 'pop-pop,'" she said.
"We not doing anything wrong. Just good clean fun," said Chester Franks, who was traveling home to North Carolina from Florida, and stopping for fireworks in South Carolina. "Small town. That's what we do.
"We're hoping we're not going to get in trouble," added Tammy, vowing safety by setting the fireworks off in a cul-de-sac away from trees.
Transporting and setting off certain fireworks illegal in North Carolina
It is illegal to transport certain fireworks into North Carolina.
The definition of an illegal firework in North Carolina boils down to almost anything that isn't of the sparkler variety.
"Anything that leaves the ground," explained Fayetteville Police Officer Antoine Kincade. "Any kind of bottle rocket, any kind of rocket that's going to leave the ground and explode -- it's illegal in North Carolina."
"Oh that's what they say? I ain't know," said Ebony Adams, a Fayetteville woman shopping for fireworks at South of the Border. "I ain't gonna get caught cause I ain't gonna shoot nothing up in the air. I just come to buy 'em."
According to state law, setting off one of those fireworks and causing damage to property or a person could land you in jail from 30 days to six months, and cost you up to $500 in fines. The penalties for transport and usage vary.
"Whether it's a fine, whether it's a criminal penalty, where's it's a court cost, whether it's something that can lead to an arrest...," said Kincade. "I heard a story today about damaging a pool cover. Fireworks came down and melted a pool cover. They cost that person $500."
Kincade said the Fayetteville Police Department expects a number of loud noise violation calls as well as shots fired calls this weekend. He reminds the public it is illegal to join in the fireworks show with your guns if you live in Fayetteville.
"Of course shooting a firearm, discharging a firearm within city limits is illegal," said Kincade.
