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Forsyth County, NC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Aerial/exploding fireworks
Illegal statewide
Sparklers, fountains
Allowed (non-aerial only)
Governing law
N.C.G.S. 14-410, 14-414
Public displays
Permit required (14-413)
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor

Summary

North Carolina bans most consumer fireworks countywide. Only non-aerial, non-explosive novelties (wire sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke devices, party poppers) are allowed. Firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and all aerial shells are illegal statewide, including Forsyth County.

City-specific rules exist: Winston-Salem has its own fireworks rules that differ from Forsyth County's county-level regulations. If you live in Winston-Salem, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership or corporation to manufacture, purchase, sell, deal in, transport, possess, receive, advertise, use, handle, exhibit, or discharge any pyrotechnics.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under N.C.G.S. 14-410 it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, possess, use, or discharge "pyrotechnics." N.C.G.S. 14-414 exempts only ground-based, non-explosive items that cannot propel through the air: wire sparklers (up to 100 grams), snakes/glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers (party poppers, snappers, up to 16 mg), and hand-held sparkling devices (up to 75 grams per tube, 200 grams total). Anything that explodes, detonates, or shoots into the air, including firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortars and aerial shells, is illegal anywhere in North Carolina. Licensed public displays require a permit under N.C.G.S. 14-413.

Violations & Fines

Illegal fireworks are a Class 2 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. 14-410, punishable by fines and up to 60 days in jail. Local fire marshals and police enforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bottle rockets or Roman candles legal in Forsyth County?
No. All aerial and explosive fireworks, including bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers and mortars, are illegal throughout North Carolina, including Forsyth County.
What fireworks can I legally use?
Only ground-based, non-explosive novelties: wire sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke devices and party poppers that do not detonate or fly into the air.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Forsyth County rules

How Forsyth County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview

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Fireworks in Cities Across Forsyth County

Winston-Salem, NC