Fireworks? Just Say No!
With Independence Day on the horizon I felt compelled to write a blog regarding fireworks. I have spent a good part of the day on the internet and on the phone trying to make sure my information was correct and as up to date as possible. If you are thinking about bringing any type of pyrotechnic to Ocracoke or using any type of pyrotechnic while here...forget about it!
IT IS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS, TRANSPORT, RECEIVE, ADVERTISE, USE, MANUFACTURE, PURCHASE, SELL, DISCHARGE (OR CAUSE TO BE DISCHARGED) ANY PYROTECHNICS ON OCRACOKE ISLAND OR THE CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE.
Back in 2002, visitors staying in a rental cottage discharged a pyrotechnic on a windy day. The conditions had been dry for a while due to lack of rain. The visitors aimed the device out over the water but the wind blew it back onto the shore into a large marsh area next to the rental house sparking a fire that very nearly took out several homes (rental houses and private homes). A large area of marsh was destroyed and took quite some time to recover. If you look in the right places you can still see evidence of that disaster to this day. Luckily, our fantastic volunteer fire department, along with many, many other residents who came to assist, was able to keep the fire from jumping the road to cause more (costly) damage. This was quite a challenge because not only were they fighting the fire...they were also fighting very strong winds. If this had happened late at night it could have been absolutely devastating.
It was a very scary day and there was much relief once the fire was out. There was also a lot of anger. It only takes a little common sense to know that you don't discharge pyrotechnics into a strong wind during a dry season. Soon after this incident an ordinance was passed banning all pyrotechnics on Ocracoke Island, including sparklers.
Why do I keep using the term pyrotechnics? Because it covers the wide range of devices included in that category...fireworks, bottle rockets, sparklers and any other type of explosives which are used for exhibitions or amusement purposes.
You will see signs all over Ocracoke and on every beach entry ramp reminding you that pyrotechnics are illegal. The close proximity of most of the homes and businesses here, the high percentage of exterior wood or wood based siding, decks, porches and patios; along with the denseness and nearness of underbrush and other vegetation, the constancy of wind and the aridness of the climate make it extremely dangerous to shoot flaming objects into the air.
Please don't think that no one will report you if decide to break this law. This is a very serious issue on Ocracoke and the entire Outer Banks. The ordinance states as follows:
A. Criminal Penalty: Any person violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both. Each day's violation is treated as a separate offense.
B. Civil Penalty: Any person who is found in violation of this ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 as provided in G.S. 153-A-123. Each day's violation shall be treated as a separate offense.
And don't forget that all pyrotechnics are illegal everywhere on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Violations on the Seashore are federal offenses and can result in a fine of $175 and/or a possible mandatory appearance in Federal Court.
All pyrotechnics are illegal on Hatteras Island and in Nag's Head. There have been incidences in those areas that have resulted in house, yard and marsh fires. Beaches in those areas are also a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Finally...I just want to remind everyone one more time that ALL PYROTECHNICS, INCLUDING SPARKLERS, ARE ILLEGAL ON THE ENTIRE OUTER BANKS!! Don't take the chance! A single spark can cause a lot of heartache for a lot of people!
For your enjoyment...several areas along the Outer Banks, including Ocracoke Island, will have professional firework displays on the 4th of July...so gather with the family and friends, find a spot right for viewing and enjoy the show!
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
IT IS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS, TRANSPORT, RECEIVE, ADVERTISE, USE, MANUFACTURE, PURCHASE, SELL, DISCHARGE (OR CAUSE TO BE DISCHARGED) ANY PYROTECHNICS ON OCRACOKE ISLAND OR THE CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE.
Back in 2002, visitors staying in a rental cottage discharged a pyrotechnic on a windy day. The conditions had been dry for a while due to lack of rain. The visitors aimed the device out over the water but the wind blew it back onto the shore into a large marsh area next to the rental house sparking a fire that very nearly took out several homes (rental houses and private homes). A large area of marsh was destroyed and took quite some time to recover. If you look in the right places you can still see evidence of that disaster to this day. Luckily, our fantastic volunteer fire department, along with many, many other residents who came to assist, was able to keep the fire from jumping the road to cause more (costly) damage. This was quite a challenge because not only were they fighting the fire...they were also fighting very strong winds. If this had happened late at night it could have been absolutely devastating.
It was a very scary day and there was much relief once the fire was out. There was also a lot of anger. It only takes a little common sense to know that you don't discharge pyrotechnics into a strong wind during a dry season. Soon after this incident an ordinance was passed banning all pyrotechnics on Ocracoke Island, including sparklers.
Why do I keep using the term pyrotechnics? Because it covers the wide range of devices included in that category...fireworks, bottle rockets, sparklers and any other type of explosives which are used for exhibitions or amusement purposes.
You will see signs all over Ocracoke and on every beach entry ramp reminding you that pyrotechnics are illegal. The close proximity of most of the homes and businesses here, the high percentage of exterior wood or wood based siding, decks, porches and patios; along with the denseness and nearness of underbrush and other vegetation, the constancy of wind and the aridness of the climate make it extremely dangerous to shoot flaming objects into the air.
Please don't think that no one will report you if decide to break this law. This is a very serious issue on Ocracoke and the entire Outer Banks. The ordinance states as follows:
A. Criminal Penalty: Any person violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both. Each day's violation is treated as a separate offense.
B. Civil Penalty: Any person who is found in violation of this ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 as provided in G.S. 153-A-123. Each day's violation shall be treated as a separate offense.
And don't forget that all pyrotechnics are illegal everywhere on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Violations on the Seashore are federal offenses and can result in a fine of $175 and/or a possible mandatory appearance in Federal Court.
All pyrotechnics are illegal on Hatteras Island and in Nag's Head. There have been incidences in those areas that have resulted in house, yard and marsh fires. Beaches in those areas are also a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Finally...I just want to remind everyone one more time that ALL PYROTECHNICS, INCLUDING SPARKLERS, ARE ILLEGAL ON THE ENTIRE OUTER BANKS!! Don't take the chance! A single spark can cause a lot of heartache for a lot of people!
For your enjoyment...several areas along the Outer Banks, including Ocracoke Island, will have professional firework displays on the 4th of July...so gather with the family and friends, find a spot right for viewing and enjoy the show!
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
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