Firework season is here and there’s often confusion about their use. The Waynesboro Police Department offers some answers to commonly asked questions:
Q: Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?
A: 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. “Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than two grains of 130 milligrams of explosive materials, 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.
Q: Who can purchase fireworks?
A: Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase them.
Q: What are the restrictions on where they can be used?
A: They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner – They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building – They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building – They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure -They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
