As the Fourth of July approaches, Cookeville residents are reminded to celebrate responsibly by adhering to the city's fireworks regulations. The City of Cookeville recently issued a reminder detailing the municipal ordinance governing fireworks use, sale, and discharge within its jurisdiction.
Under the ordinance, the use of fireworks is limited to D.O.T. Class C common fireworks. The sale of bottle rockets featuring an explosive cartridge smaller than two inches long is strictly prohibited. Fireworks may only be set off from July 1st to July 5th and between December 28 to January 2 annually.
The permitted timeframe for fireworks is 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except on July 4, when residents can light up the sky until midnight, and New Year's Eve, when the curfew extends to 1:00 AM. Selling fireworks to underage individuals—those below sixteen—or to people who are intoxicated or appear irresponsible is also against the law.
Residents must also respect private property and safety distances. Without consent, fireworks may not be ignited on or onto another's property, within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, and schools, or within 200 feet of places where fireworks are sold or stored. It is equally important to note that setting off fireworks from a motor vehicle or targeting vehicles or individuals with fireworks is illegal.
