Everywhere you can — and can’t — set off fireworks around Myrtle Beach this July 4th

As the United States prepares for July Fourth festivities, people around the country are stocking up on fireworks.

But for folks around the Myrtle Beach area planning pyrotechnic celebrations, there are some important laws to know before dropping big money on fireworks.

Different municipalities in the Grand Strand each have their own rules regarding when and where fireworks are permitted. Here’s what you need to know.

Horry County

Across Horry County, fireworks are prohibited on county-run public land, including beaches, public accesses, parks and streets.

On private property in unincorporated areas of the county, use of fireworks is generally limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but for Independence Day hours will be extended to 12:30 a.m. on July 5.

The County also bans minors from igniting fireworks without a parent or guardian and prohibits setting off fireworks in vehicles, within 500 feet of churches and hospitals, and within 300 feet of gas stations and other places where fuel is stored.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach strictly limits fireworks. Except in cases where the City Council grants special permits, igniting fireworks is banned within city limits, including beaches and private property.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach bans setting off fireworks on public land, including beaches, beach accesses, streets and parks.

Igniting fireworks is permitted on private property from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, for Independence Day people can set off fireworks from 7 a.m. on July 4 until 12:30 a.m. on July 5.

The city also prohibits fireworks within 300 feet of gas stations and other businesses with flammables and within 500 feet of schools, hospitals and churches.

Like Horry County, the city of Myrtle Beach prohibits minors from setting off fireworks unless they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Conway

Inland, Conway typically only allows specially permitted events to discharge fireworks in city limits. But on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve the rules change. For July Fourth, people in Conway can set off fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Even on Independence Day, igniting fireworks is prohibited in motor vehicles, in places with flammable materials, in public gatherings, within 75 feet of places where fireworks are sold or offered and within 600 feet of asylums, churches, hospitals and public schools.

Conway also requires the firework operators to set them off on property they own or control, unless they have permission from the owner.

Surfside Beach

Although the town carves out exceptions for approved displays, Surfside Beach generally bans setting off fireworks on all but two days: July Fourth and New Year’s Eve. On the Fourth of July, people can ignite fireworks from sunset until 11 p.m.

During that time, fireworks are permitted on the beach between the high-water mark eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. However, it’s important to note igniting fireworks is also banned within 500 feet of the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier.