As the Fourth of July rapidly approaches, the roadside firework stands have started popping up around Bainbridge. As of July 1, 2015, all consumer fireworks were made legal in the State of Georgia, and with that came a set of rules.

Fireworks are legal on the Fourth of July until midnight. They are legal to shoot off before 9 p.m. any other night.

Bainbridge Public Safety Fire Chief Doyle Welch urges all residents of Decatur County to use extreme caution to avoid injuries when using fireworks this year.

According to the Georgia Fire Marshal, two-thirds of three-fourths of all firework injuries occur during the four-week period surrounding the Fourth of July.

They encourage everyone to only buy from licensed vendors and to be cognizant of the people around them and their surroundings.

BPS Director Jerry Carter wants to remind everyone to never shoot off fireworks near service stations or anywhere there may be combustible material. He suggests shooting off the dock at the Earle May Boat Basin, especially if the conditions are dry.

BPS asks all adults to supervise, no matter what type of firework it may be, even if it’s sparklers; children are drawn to sparkly things and will try to grab them.

They are requesting all fireworks to cease at 12 a.m. for the sake of the people surrounding, who may not want to participate in the firework show.

BPS offers the following safety tips for anyone who wishes to participate in the celebrations this year.

•  Always read and follow label directions
•  Only use fireworks outdoors
•  Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
•  Only light one firework at a time
•  Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
•  Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision
•  Never give fireworks to small children
•  Be sure to have water handy
•  Never throw fireworks at another person
•  Remember to call 911 for emergencies