From the dazzling dance of a sparkler tracing patterns in the twilight to the thrilling ascent of a bottle rocket piercing the night, the Fourth of July promises an evening of radiant celebration for residents.
Some local governments in the Black Hills have banned fireworks altogether, others allow certain kinds. But for those in areas that do allow fireworks, Fire Operations Division Chief Brian Povandra offers a crucial reminder: safety must remain at the forefront of all holiday festivities.
āHistorically July and August tend to be our busiest months of the year" for the department,Ā Povandra said. "There are many factors to include the influx of tourists and warm weather. The fire department stands ready to respond to calls throughout the year, but we will have a presence at the firework shows within the city limits.ā
Povandra urged residents to follow the laws and not shoot off fireworks in unpermitted areas. He noted shooting off fireworks is not permitted inside the city limits or within one mile outside the city limits of Rapid City. And fireworks are not permitted within the boundaries of the Black Hills Fire Protection District.
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Participants should always have a water source nearby when lighting off fireworks in permitted areas.
āProperly dispose of spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours prior to discarding,ā Povandra said.
He also advised residents not to handle fireworks while impaired by alcohol and to never allow young children to handle fireworks.
According toĀ Ā there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths last year and about 14,700 injuries. Most deaths involved misuse and device misfire and malfunction, according to the safety commission. The deaths in 2024 marked a 38% from those in 2023. And injuries increased by 52% from 2023 to 2024.
Discharge of fireworks is permitted in Pennington County from June 27 through July 8.
Like any other day of the year, Povandra said the fire department will remain diligent to respond to calls for service regardless of the holiday.
āKnow where you are allowed to shoot fireworks legally," Povandra said.
Below is a list of jurisdictions and their respective fireworks restrictions.
Pennington County
Discharge of fireworks is permitted in Pennington County from June 27 through July 8 and Dec. 28 through Jan. 1. The public is encouraged to clean up fireworks litter after any discharge.
The sheriff's office asked for Rapid Valley to adhere to a voluntary curfew of 11 p.m. Deputies will have extra patrols in the area to ensure the safe and courteous discharge of fireworks.
Violations of the fireworks ordinance is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in the Pennington County Jail and a $500 fine.
The sheriff's office asked for Rapid Valley to adhere to a voluntary curfew of 11 p.m. Deputies will have extra patrols in the area to ensure the safe and courteous discharge of fireworks.
Visit or call 211 or 605-394-4131 and select option five for answers to fireworks-related questions.
The following municipalities within Pennington County have ordinances governing fireworks discharge:
Rapid City
No discharge of fireworks is permitted inside city limits or one mile outside city limits, except novelty fireworks. Novelty fireworks include snaps, caps, pull-a-parts, fireworks you can toss on the ground, and sparklers. For further clarification, contact the fire department's fire and life safety division at 605-394-5233.
Box Elder
Discharge of fireworks is allowed inside Box Elder city limits and on private property with the permission of the landowner between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. from July 1 to July 4. If the grassland fire danger rating exceeds the high level, private or citizen use of fireworks is prohibited.
Hill City
No discharge of fireworks is permitted in Hill City limits, other than novelty fireworks. Novelty fireworks are party poppers, snappers, sparklers and toy caps.
Keystone
No discharge of fireworks is permitted in Keystone city limits, other than novelty fireworks.Ā Novelty fireworks are party poppers, snappers, sparklers and toy caps.
New Underwood
Fireworks discharged in city limits are permitted from June 27 through July 5 and Dec. 28 through Jan. 1.
No fireworks sales are allowed before June 27 or after July 5. Retail sales are not allowed between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m.
A violation of the fireworks ordinance is a Class 2 misdemeanor. In dry years the council may ban the use of fireworks within the city limits. For more information, call 605-754-6777.
Wall
No discharge of fireworks is permitted in Wall city limits, other than novelty fireworks.Ā Novelty fireworks are party poppers, snappers, sparklers and toy caps.
Custer
No discharge of fireworks is permitted in the city of Custer.
You can contact Madison at mwillis@rapidcityjournal.com
Madison Willis
Public Safety/Courts Reporter
