America 250 is nearing, and there is no celebration as iconic as fireworks filling the air to celebrate the Fourth of July, but what are the laws surrounding fireworks, and how can you use them safely?
In 2024, an estimated 14,700 people were injured, up about 5,000 from the year before, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The National Fire Protection Association also estimated that fireworks caused approximately 32,302 fires and $142 million in direct property damage.
Police Sgt. Jason Mancuso of the Bristol Township Police Department said its a concern for law enforcement.
“We’re in a very condensed area, semi-urban. Fireworks can cause a lot of destruction and injuries if they are not deployed properly,” Mancuso said. “We don’t want to see any houses catch on fire or any debris fall on roofs.”
Are fireworks legal in PA?
There are a handful of laws in Pennsylvania that regulate fireworks.
Fireworks must be set off at least 150 feet away from buildings and vehicles and that they can only be set off with the permission of the property owner. The distance requirement is hard to meet in many parts of Bucks County, including neighborhoods, business parking lots and other popular spots to set them off.
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks up until 1 a.m. on the day following the Fourth of July, which can’t be used by anyone below 18 years old or anyone under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
“Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles, plus other fireworks that contain no more than 50 milligrams of explosive material, are available for purchase within Pennsylvania.
Consumer fireworks may be purchased by anyone who is at least 18 and are available both in person or online, but online orders must be delivered to the buyer at a licensed, permanent structure.
Other fireworks like handheld sparklers, ground sparklers, toy caps, and other novelties are not classified as consumer fireworks and are allowed to be used at all times.
Leave fireworks to the professionals: Police
Display fireworks such as ones containing two grains, 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells with more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions are only permitted for purchase and use by professionals who have a permit from the municipality.
Instead of setting off fireworks yourself, Mancuso recommends leaving it to the professionals.
“I would recommend that everybody go to a sanctioned show at whatever municipalities are having them,” he said. “Not only are they better displays than what you can do at home, but you will also save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.”
Fireworks safety tips
If you do plan to set off fireworks at your home, the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner recommends multiple safety precautions.
Among those tips are never letting children handle fireworks along with keeping an eye on them; not using fireworks under the influence of alcohol or other substances; wearing eye protection, keeping a hose or water bucket nearby, soaking unused fireworks in water before discarding them, and not holding fireworks or putting any part of your body directly above a firework.
