Safety Reminder For Fireworks

With the 4th of July Holiday fast approaching, there’s an increased use of commercial fireworks. In 2017, the Pennsylvania legislature passed ACT 43 which allowed the purchase of “Consumer Fireworks” by the public. The act generally limits the use of these fireworks and municipalities have also passed their own regulations which may be more strict than state law. It’s still the case though, that many fireworks users do not understand the dangers these fireworks pose. Each year, numerous adults and children are seriously injured or burned and many fires are started by carelessly using fireworks. Likewise, pets, other domestic animals and nearby residents can also be disturbed by the loud noise. Consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents. Those known as “display fireworks” and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.