Fireworks season gets underway in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Watertown. Changes and what to know

Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean
·4 min read

Wilson County and its cities typically celebrate July 4 in a big way and often for weeks in advance of the holiday.

Tents selling fireworks all over the county are opening and the telltale pops, booms and bangs can be heard far and wide leading up to Independence Day.

Sparklers, fountains and kid packs to more powerful firework "mortar" and "cakes," often purchased for home and neighborhood displays, are all big sellers leading up to the Fourth of July, said Blake Davis, who operates a tent on State Route 109 next to Samples Repair in Lebanon.

Davis and his wife, Betsy, opened their MAD Fireworks tent for a fifth year this season.

Selling and lighting fireworks are essentially prohibited in Davidson County without a permit. However, Wilson County with its cities of Lebanon, Mt. Juliet and Watertown are among Nashville suburbs that allow the general public to buy and light fireworks within certain parameters.

Here is a look at fireworks regulations in Wilson County.

Lebanon

Shooting fireworks is allowed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., between June 20 and July 5. Those setting off fireworks must be 18 unless supervised by an adult.

Betsy Davis setting up a fireworks tent along State Route 109, just south of Highway 70 in Lebanon.
Betsy Davis setting up a fireworks tent along State Route 109, just south of Highway 70 in Lebanon.

Fireworks cannot be shot within 600 feet of any church, hospital, funeral home or school. They also can't be shot within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold.

Lebanon police did not issue any citations for fireworks violations, said department spokesperson Zach Patton.

The selling period for fireworks in Lebanon is June 20-July 5.

Mt. Juliet

Times to set off fireworks in the city was reduced this year to noon-10 p.m., June 29, and 5-10 p.m., July 3 and July 4.

The impact on children, pets and those who have to get up and work were among reasons to reduce the times that fireworks can be ignited in the city, Fire Department of Mt. Juliet Chief Mark Foulks said.

Other regulations include anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult when shooting fireworks and individuals must not be under the influence of any substances while shooting fireworks.

Fireworks can’t be discharged within 600 feet of a church, hospital, funeral home, public or private school or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold or offered for sale.  Igniting fireworks are also prohibited during a burn ban.

Mt. Juliet Police reported one fireworks citation in 2023, none in 2022 and one in 2021, though the department typically gives a warning first if a violation occurs, Deputy Chief Tyler Chandler said.

Fireworks set up at a tent in Wilson County along State Route 109.
Fireworks set up at a tent in Wilson County along State Route 109.

Fireworks sales in the city are allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 20 to July 4.

Watertown

Shooting fireworks is allowed from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m., July 1-7 . Adult supervision is required for anyone under age 10, according to city staff.

Officials weren’t aware of regulations on selling fireworks.

Wilson County

There are no regulations on times to light fireworks in Wilson County outside of city limits, other than when burn ban limitations are in place, officials said.

“Basically, citizens need to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day… but do so in a respectful manner," Wilson County Sheriff's Office Capt. Scott Moore said.

Selling fireworks outside a city is generally applied for as a temporary use to the Board of Zoning Appeals, which decides on approval. Fireworks sales are generally approved for around the two-week period leading up to July 4 and Jan. 1, with some time provided after those dates to shut down the operation, Wilson County Planning Director Tom Brashear said.

This fireworks tent is operated by Blake and Betsy Davis along State Route 109 in Wilson County.
This fireworks tent is operated by Blake and Betsy Davis along State Route 109 in Wilson County.

Fireworks safety

Here are some safety tips from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office when it comes to shooting fireworks:

  • Always have an adult supervise firework activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

  • Keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.

  • If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them. Douse and soak them in water, then throw them away.

  • Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.

  • If you’re lighting fireworks that launch into the sky, plan for their landing in a safe area. Smoldering fireworks that land on a roof can start a fire.

  • Be respectful to your neighbors’ property.

The Wilson County Emergency Management Agency did respond to multiple house fires last year, mainly because of discharged fireworks being cleaned up and put back in an area of the home or garage when still hot, the agency's Fire Chief Jeremy Hobbs said.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Shooting fireworks in Wilson County for July 4? What to know