As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, fireworks remain one of the most recognizable traditions of the holiday. But behind every colorful display is an industry built around safety, regulations and responsible use.
Travis Duss of Extreme Fireworks, part of Firework Alley near Exit 61 east of Rapid City, has spent nearly two decades in the Black Hills fireworks business. He says while customers often come looking for the loudest or biggest fireworks available, today’s industry offers something for nearly everyone.
“We have products for people who want big effects, but we also carry quieter fireworks for families with young children, people with sensory sensitivities, or veterans dealing with PTSD,” Duss explained.
Safety Comes First
Although fireworks are designed for celebration, Duss says they should always be treated with respect.
He recommends wearing eye protection and gloves whenever lighting fireworks and never placing your head over a firework while igniting it.
“Accidents can still happen,” he said. “Treat the product with respect and you’ll greatly reduce the chances of someone getting hurt.”
One common misconception involves artillery shell fireworks. While many people reuse the launch tubes year after year, Duss says manufacturers design each tube for just six launches.
After firing six shells, the tube should be discarded to reduce the risk of failure. He also recommends placing launch tubes inside a five-gallon bucket filled with sand to help keep them upright and improve stability during use.
Know the Laws Before You Celebrate
Fireworks laws vary depending on where you live.
Within Rapid City, fireworks requiring a fuse are generally prohibited. Items such as poppers, snapper-style fireworks, confetti shooters and snakes are among the few consumer fireworks allowed because they do not require ignition with a fuse.
South Dakota residents can legally begin purchasing fireworks on June 27, while some out-of-state visitors and tribal members may purchase them earlier under state licensing rules. Local discharge dates are determined by individual communities.
Another important factor is the Grassland Fire Index. If conditions reach the “Extreme” category, fireworks cannot legally be discharged until fire danger decreases.
“It’s a free resource that anyone can check from a smartphone before celebrating,” Duss said.
Not Every Firework Is Legal
Customers still occasionally ask for products like cherry bombs or M-80s, but Duss says those have been federally banned for years.
Imported fireworks are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission before entering the country, while South Dakota’s State Fire Marshal inspects retail stands annually to ensure products meet legal safety standards. Selling prohibited fireworks can result in the loss of licenses and even federal penalties.
Celebrating Freedom Responsibly
For Duss, fireworks represent more than entertainment.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, he says Independence Day fireworks serve as a reminder of the freedoms many Americans have fought to protect.
“We want people to enjoy the celebration, respect their neighbors and use fireworks safely so families can continue enjoying this tradition for years to come,” Duss said.
His final advice is simple: follow local regulations, keep safety in mind, and remember that a responsible celebration helps ensure everyone can enjoy another Fourth of July next year.
