Columbia officials: Fireworks illegal in city

Columbia authorities are warning residents that fireworks are illegal in the city limits more than a week ahead of the Fourth of July.

The Columbia Fire Department in a release Tuesday said shooting and possessing fireworks within the city limits is illegal, prohibited by a city ordinance. City officials also encouraged residents to attend the Fire in the Sky festival held at Flat Branch Park and Lucky’s Market beginning at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at about 9:15 p.m.

Brad Fraizer, the Assistant Fire Chief of the Columbia Fire Department says “well the possession or firing of fireworks in the city limits of Columbia is prohibited. So the city does sponsor a fireworks event “Fire in the Sky” on the Fourth of July but we encourage citizens to follow those guidelines and not possess or shoot fireworks within the city limits.”

Residents with fireworks complaints should call 311, the non-emergency line.