Pyrotechnics—which are also commonly known as “safe and sane” fireworks—are the only types of fireworks that are allowed in North Carolina. These devices include caps, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noise-makers, snappers, sparklers and other sparkling devices, such as fountains, which do not leave the ground.

Illegal fireworks include devices that leave the ground—such as bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles and aerial fireworks—and that have a report or make a “bang.” Examples of these include firecrackers and M80s. These types of devices are not legally available for purchase or for use in North Carolina.

Each July 4, thousands of people—most often children and teens—are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, which include devastating burns, fires, permanent injuries and even death.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks caused an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused $105 million in direct property damage.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2020.  An estimated 10,300 fireworks-related injuries (or 66 percent of the total estimated fireworks related injuries in 2020) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments between June 21, 2020 and July 21, 2020 alone. In 2020, there were an estimated 1,600 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 900 with sparklers.   

Remember that pets are very sensitive to loud noises, strong smells and flashing lights, so they can easily become frightened or disoriented around fireworks. To ensure the safety of your pet, leave them safely indoors during fireworks shows so they don’t become scared and take off. The Humane Society of the United States recommends leaving on a radio or TV to soften loud noises and help ease their anxiety during seasonal celebrations. 

Town of Manteo Fourth of July Celebration

Thursday, July 4, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Dare Arts building (300 Queen Elizabeth Ave.)

 The fun begins downtown in front of the Dare Arts building, the old courthouse, with the singing of the National Anthem.  Kid's games and activities, decorated bike contest and parade (trike, scooter, and wagons welcome too), apple pie contest,  watermelon eating contest, food, and summer treats are more than enough reason to come on out and spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.  Enjoy summer skies and apple pies, decorated bikes and little tikes! 

This year, an Independence Day concert will be held at Roanoke Island Festival Park at their scenic waterfront Pavilion! The concert is free and open to the public. This great music event kicks off with the Riggsbee Road followed by Brickhouse Band playing classic R&B, Motown Funk and more.  DJ Mixin’ Mike will continue to bring some tunes afterwards in Creef Park while the Independence Day Concert starts up at Roanoke Island Festival Park at their scenic waterfront pavilion. 

The concert concludes with fireworks at dusk provided by the Town of Manteo, complete with lots of twinkle and sparkle illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors and explosive entertainment!

Free parking shuttles will be available once again throughout the day into the evening to help with parking needs.  Shuttles will run from the College of the Albemarle, Manteo Middle School and Manteo High School.  You might just catch a ride down one of the side streets too!

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Avon Firework Show

Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9 p.m. at the Avon Fishing Pier (41001 Hwy. 12)

Celebrate your Independence Day with a bang at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub on Hatteras Island for an incredible front row view of the fireworks display from the pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.

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Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show

Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:15 p.m. at Avalon Pier (2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail)

The Town of Kill Devil Hills is proud to present its annual Fourth of July fireworks show on Tuesday, July 4, 2024 at 9:15 p.m. at Avalon Pier, 2111 North Virginia Dare Trail (Milepost 6). Visit one of the many Kill Devil Hills beach accesses where you can set up your beach chairs to watch the spectacular show.

The fireworks show will also be livestreamed on the town's YouTube and Facebook pages.

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Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular

Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:25 p.m. on Nags Head Pier (3335 S Virginia Dare Trail)

Nags Head will host, in conjunction with the Nags Head Fishing Pier and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, a fireworks spectacular Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:25 p.m. on Nags Head Pier at Mile Post 11.5 on NC Route 12, South Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head.

A rain date has been set for Friday, July 5, 2024. The fireworks display will last approximately 25 minutes.

Parking at and near the fireworks display site will be directed by the Nags Head Police Department. Those attending the show are encouraged to park east of U.S. Highway 158/South Croatan Highway. Those choosing to park west of U.S. Highway 158/South Croatan Highway should use extreme caution while attempting to cross this heavily traveled roadway.

All persons attending this event are reminded not to use or block private driveways. Vehicles blocking driveways or presenting a traffic hazard before, during, or immediately following this event will be towed.

The Town of Nags Head requests that persons use the public beach accesses as pathways to the oceanfront. Please stay off the environmentally sensitive dune and do not use the private property of others, such as private gazebos or decks, to view the fireworks without the property owner’s permission.

No vehicles, with the exception of authorized Town and emergency vehicles, will be allowed on the ocean front beaches.

The following public beach accesses are recommended for access to the beach for fireworks viewing:

South of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Curlew Street
Hollowell Street
Conch Street

North of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Bladen Street
Bittern Street
Bonnett Street
Blackman Street

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Town of Duck 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration

Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

The annual one-mile parade route begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane, travels east towards the ocean, turns left onto Ocean Way, and then continues onto Christopher Drive to end at Pamela Court.

Please note that no part of the parade will take place on Duck Road.

A Community Celebration will be held immediately following the parade at the Duck Town Park. The celebration will feature live music, cold refreshments, including watermelon provided by Green Acres Farm Market, and the awarding of the parade trophies.

• Only use legal fireworks.
• Don't allow children to light the devices.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions before use.
• Only use fireworks outside, on a level area, away from easily ignitable materials.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at another person or animal.
• Light only one device at a time and quickly move away from the device to enjoy the show.
• Do not place any part of your body above the device.
• Do not hold a device in your hand to light it or after it has been lit.
• Have a bucket of water or water hose readily available where you are lighting the fireworks in case a fire starts.
• Do not attempt to relight a device that does not ignite and properly fire. Instead, thoroughly soak the device in water prior to disposing of it.
• Soak all spent devices with water before disposing of the materials in the trash.
• If a fire starts or someone is injured, call 911 immediately.

Hopefully, these tips will help you stay safe and allow you to have an enjoyable time! If you have any further questions, contact your local fire department or the Dare County Fire Marshal at 252-475-5750.

More information about fireworks safety is also available at these links:

• United States Fire Administration – Fireworks Safety
• National Fire Protection Association - Fireworks
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Fireworks Information