First, be aware that failure to control or report dangerous fire is a Class 1 Misdemeanor while Reckless burning or exploding is a Class 4 felony. These charges can be applied when fire or explosions are endangering life or a substantial amount of property. You may also be held financially responsible for any fire suppression costs if a fire becomes out of control.
So, if you intend to enjoy this 4th of July with fireworks please take some precautions. Don’t wait for a fire to start to find your garden hose; have a bucket of water, a garden hose or fire extinguisher ready. Having a couple shovels around to throw dirt on the start of a grass fire can also be effective until it can be doused. Trim the vegetation in areas where you are shooting fireworks and wet the area before and after. Clean out your gutters and clear away dry yard debris. Don’t shoot off fireworks near a house or other structure.
Regarding fireworks, please call dispatch only if you need the fire department or are willing to sign a complaint for charges against an individual you believe to be in violation of the law or city ordinance.
So where can you shoot Fireworks in Fall River County?
County
In Fall River County (outside of city limits) fireworks are permitted on PRIVATE land OUTSIDE of the Black Hills Fire Protection District. That is land SOUTH of the Cheyenne River and EAST of SD Highway 79. The discharge of fireworks is permitted from June 27 through July 6, 2024 per State Law 34-37-16.1 . South Dakota Codified Law 34-37-11 prohibits the use of fireworks within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, it also prohibits the use of fireworks on public lands such as national forests, national parks, land managed by the Game Fish & Parks, etc. The Black Hills National Forest and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands also have their own published restrictions on fireworks.
The areas marked in white on the map below indicate areas where fireworks are not banned.
Angostura
Game, Fish, and Parks does NOT allow fireworks on their properties, ever, regardless of holiday or weather condition per South Dakota Codified Law 34-37-11 . This includes the Angostura Recreation Area as well as Shep’s Canyon Recreation Area.
Hot Springs City limits
July 4th from 9AM – 11PM Cones, Fountains and Novelty devices permitted as long as the fire danger for the Southern Hills is not HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME (See the City of Hot Springs ordinance 93.06 for full set of rules)
No consumer fireworks that explode or provide a “report” such as but not limited to firecrackers, aerial mortars, bottle rockets, skyrockets, etc. may be discharged.
Edgemont City limits
Fireworks are permitted when the fire danger for the Prairie is LOW or MODERATE on July 4th from 10AM to 11:59PM. Like the City of Hot Springs only cones, fountains, and novelty devices are permitted. No consumer fireworks that explode or provide a “report” are allowed.
Fireworks are NOT allowed within the Edgemont City Park without prior approval of the Edgemont Common Council. Fireworks are NOT allowed on any property marked as No Trespassing or with signs prohibiting the discharge of fireworks. All fireworks discharge must be cleaned up and properly disposed of within 24 hours. City Ordinance 2023-12-5
