What you need to know before setting off fireworks in PA this July 4 holiday weekend

Bucks County Courier Times
·4 min read

Fireworks are legal in Pennsylvania. But before you welcome the July 4th holiday with a bang, there are restrictions in place that limit their use.

Both Pennsylvania law and local ordinances regulate who and where residents can set off fireworks. And in fact many of those rules, make it difficult to find spots to launch a display.

Since 2017 Pennsylvanians have been able to legally purchase and use “consumer-grade” or “Class C” fireworks that contain up to 50 milligrams of explosive. Firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets can all be purchased in the state.

However, an online Q&A posted by the Pennsylvania State Police reminds residents that several regulations limit how fireworks are used. Authorities also remind residents they must be 18 to purchase fireworks.

File - Since 2017 Pennsylvanians have been able to legally purchase and use “consumer-grade” or “Class C” fireworks that contain up to 50 milligrams of explosive. Firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets can all be purchased in the state.
File - Since 2017 Pennsylvanians have been able to legally purchase and use “consumer-grade” or “Class C” fireworks that contain up to 50 milligrams of explosive. Firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets can all be purchased in the state.

Firework restrictions in PA:

  • Cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without the express permission of the property owner.

  • Cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.

  • Cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.

  • Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.

  • Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Firework injuries have continued to rise around the United States over the past two decades, with reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicating that around 15,600 people went to the hospital with firework injuries in 2020, according to a report in the Beaver County Times of USA Today's Pennsylvania network. The majority of these injuries occur during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, most commonly caused by sparklers and firecrackers.

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In addition to the state law, many municipalities throughout the state also have have passed ordinances that mirror the state law but include added regulations. For instance, in Doylestown Township firework use is limited between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. While in Falls Township larger fireworks displays are allowed only by permit from the fire marshal.

Most ordinances include rules that place a 150-foot distance requirement from occupied structures prevents nearly all firework use. With the restriction, many backyards and other spaces become off limits. Others prohibit fireworks use within 200 feet of any structure, property line, vehicle or roadway unless prior written permission is received from all property owners within the 200-foot area.

Municipalities with local ordinances can pursue summary offenses for those who set off fireworks illegally, which range from a $100-$300 fine.

More:Tips to keep pets happy and healthy during the summer firework season

Firework safety tips

If you do plan to use fireworks on the 4th there are several ways to have fun while staying safe.

Safety precautions are necessary as injuries related to fireworks increased from 9,992 in 2019 to 15,646 in 2020, as the pandemic increased at-home celebrations, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

Firework safety tips from the APA include lighting only one firework at a time, wearing sunglasses while igniting fireworks and keeping spectators at a safe distance.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association also reminds those who will be around fireworks for this holiday of the potential dangers of hearing loss. ASHA is encouraging the public to incorporate hearing protection into their celebrations, stating a single loud blast or explosion that lasts for less than one second can cause permanent hearing.

ASHA recommends using hearing protection, such as earplugs, keeping a safe distance of at least 500 feet away from fireworks and leaving the venue if ringing in the ear occurs while watching a firework display.

Roman candles are seen at a roadside fireworks stand at 10329 Chapman Highway, in Seymour, Friday, June 26, 2020.
Roman candles are seen at a roadside fireworks stand at 10329 Chapman Highway, in Seymour, Friday, June 26, 2020.

The American Red Cross offers these tips:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

More:July most common month for drownings on Delaware River. Lifejackets urged.

Staff writer Sarah Siock contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: What you need to know before setting off fireworks in PA this July 4 holiday weekend