Charleston, WV Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal hours
- 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on 3 holidays
- New Year's window
- 11 a.m. Dec. 31-1 a.m. Jan. 1
- Minimum age
- 18, or adult-supervised
- Building setback
- 100 feet without owner's OK
- Max penalty
- $500 fine per violation
Summary
Consumer fireworks in Charleston can only be set off between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, or from 11 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1, unless the police chief approves an exception.
Not be permitted to use fireworks, except between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, or between 11:00 am on December 31 and 1:00 am on January 1; provided, however, that a person may request permission from the chief of police to use fireworks for a special event or occasion at other days or times not regularly permitted herein, and the chief of police shall have reasonable discretion, on a case by case basis and after consultation with the chief of the fire department, to approve such a request.(b)This section, and the prohibitions contained herein related to the use of consumer fireworks, is not intended to prohibit use of display fireworks within the city at any day or time so long as the use is sponsored or approved by the city. (Bill No. 7713, 10-3-2016; Bill No. 8061, 12-1-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Charleston City Code Sec. 54-191 governs consumer fireworks (Bill No. 7713, amended by Bill No. 8061 in 2025). Users must be 18 or supervised by an adult, sober, and can't discharge fireworks within 100 feet of a building without the owner's permission, within 500 feet of a gas station or other fire-danger site, or on any street, sidewalk, or near any person. Debris must be cleared within 24 hours, and the user is financially responsible for cleanup and fire-suppression costs. Outside the listed holiday windows, use requires the police chief's discretionary approval after consulting the fire chief.
Violations & Fines
Violating the fireworks article is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine per offense, and police may seize, confiscate, or destroy fireworks held, sold, or used unlawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks on the Fourth of July in Charleston?
How close to a building can I light fireworks?
What happens if I break Charleston's fireworks rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
How Charleston compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.