The story has been the same over the past seven years.
As the hot, muggy weather of July approaches, the night sky begins to light up with loud bursts of color. The flashes and bangs reach their peak on July 4, when revelers celebrate America’s birthday with explosions.
And those explosions were made possible by a change in state law. In 2017, the Legislature passed new rules that vastly expanded the sale of fireworks in Pennsylvania.
That means more and more people across the state have been holding their own air shows, leading to a flood of complaints from residents and busy nights for emergency responders.
“When we saw fireworks become legal, we saw a dramatic increase in calls,” said Lt. Nick Epolito, commander of the Reading Police Department’s bomb squad.
Fireworks have caused countless injuries to those who set them off and to bystanders, and have also started thousands of fires.
Illegal fireworks fly across the sky of Reading on July 4 last year, looking north from Neversink Mountain. (BILL UHRICH – READING EAGLE)
Pennsylvania State Police spokesman Trooper Ethan Brownback said thousands of Americans are injured in fireworks-related incidents each year, half of which involve facial burns. And nationwide, fireworks cause more than 20,000 fires each year that cause about $105 million in property damage.
Concerns about the dangers of fireworks led the Legislature to revise its relaxed regulations, with new restrictions taking effect last year. And law enforcement will be out in full force this week to ensure they are enforced.
“We’re definitely going to be tough on it with the new laws,” Brownback said. “We’re going to enforce them very strictly. Our message is very clear: fireworks are not toys.
“We want people to understand the risks and how to handle fireworks properly, and encourage users to be courteous to their neighbours, pets, the community and war veterans.”
Reading Fire Chief James Stoudt Jr. said users who don’t follow state rules on fireworks can cause all sorts of dangerous problems. He said the city has seen buildings burn down because of fireworks — including a half-dozen townhomes in one incident in 1998 — and others, such as Amanda Stout Elementary School in 2019, have sustained significant damage.
Epolito pointed out that due to the state’s latest restrictions, there is no place in the city where fireworks can be legally set off.
“So save your money and don’t buy them,” he said.
Stoudt shared a similar sentiment.
“You see these shows going off and the amount of money people spend to set something on fire that lasts a minute is ridiculous,” he said. “If you want to enjoy fireworks, the Fightin Phils are in town, they always put on a great show. There are plenty of places to go to see professional, safe shows.”
Of course, Epolito and Stoudt’s advice probably won’t be followed by everyone. So if you’re planning on setting off fireworks this holiday, here’s what you need to know about how to do it legally and safely.
What types of fireworks can you buy and use?
According to state police, residents are allowed to purchase and use consumer fireworks, which include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and similar items that contain up to 50 milligrams of explosive material.
Products containing more than 2 grains or 130 milligrams of explosive material and air grenades containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition may only be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display takes place.
Who is allowed to buy fireworks?
Consumer fireworks may only be purchased, possessed and used by persons over the age of 18. The law states that ground and hand fireworks and novelties such as snakes, poppers and snaps are not included in consumer fireworks.
Where can I buy fireworks?
Consumers may purchase consumer fireworks from physical stores licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Consumer fireworks may also be purchased online, but delivery of consumer fireworks to a purchaser must occur at a licensed, permanent structure.
What restrictions apply to its use?
The following restrictions apply to consumer fireworks:
• They may not be lit or fired on public or private property without the permission of the property owner.
• They must not be aimed at another person, building or vehicle.
• They may not be fired or ignited within 45 metres of an occupied building or vehicle, regardless of whether it is owned by the user of the fireworks.
• They may not be fired if the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• People planning to set off fireworks must notify nearby livestock owners or managers 72 hours in advance before setting off fireworks near an animal enclosure.
What restrictions can municipalities impose on fireworks?
State police say municipalities may restrict the use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., except on July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31, when they can be used until 1 a.m.
If July 4th falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, they can be used until 1am on the preceding and following Friday and Saturday.
Please check with your local council as local regulations may apply.
Who enforces the fireworks laws in the state?
Any authorized law enforcement officer may make an arrest and confiscate illegal fireworks.
What is the penalty for violating the state fireworks law?
The Pennsylvania Fireworks Law of 2022 reads as follows:
• A person who uses consumer fireworks in violation of the law commits a summary offense and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. If an offense is committed within three years of a previous conviction, it is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
• A person who sells consumer fireworks in violation of the law commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and is punishable by a fine of not less than $10,000. If a violation is committed within three years of a prior conviction, it is punishable by a fine of not less than $15,000 and the license will be revoked.
• A person who sells or uses fireworks in violation of the law commits a felony of the third degree and is punishable by a fine of not less than $10,000. If an offense is committed within three years of a prior conviction, it is punishable by a fine of not less than $15,000.
Tips to stay safe
Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook recommends the following safety measures:
• Never let children play with fireworks, even sparklers, as fireworks can reach temperatures of at least 1200 degrees.
• Only allow adults to set off fireworks one at a time and then leave quickly.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case a fire breaks out.
• Never pick up fireworks or attempt to relight them if they are not completely extinguished.
• After fireworks have burned out, you must completely cover them with water before picking them up or throwing them away to prevent any debris from catching fire.
• Never set off fireworks after consuming alcohol or other substances that could impair judgment or the ability to respond quickly to an emergency.
• Always keep a safe distance from the location where the fireworks are being set off, whether you are visiting a professional fireworks show or using consumer fireworks.
• Be considerate of neighbors and their pets, especially if there are war veterans living nearby.
