Whitpain Township Police Department warns residents about fireworks safety, legal issues

In many townships, including surrounding Wissahickon communities, the use of fireworks is regulated by state law and local ordinances to ensure public safety and community well-being.

While certain consumer-grade fireworks may be legally purchased and used, there are important restrictions on where, when, and how they can be set off. 

These rules are designed to prevent injuries, fires, and disturbances to residents, pets, and property. It’s essential for all residents to understand and follow these regulations before using fireworks to celebrate holidays or special events.

Whitpain Township officials are reminding its residents about the legality of the fireworks you may want to purchase and use for the Fourth of July holiday. Officials are also warning residents to stay safe during what can be a dangerous pastime. 

“We ask that you be safe and responsible during this holiday weekend,” Whitpain Township Police Department wrote. “Fireworks can be very dangerous to people and properties, especially when handled while impaired.  Please also remember that quiet hours in the township begin at 11 p.m. tomorrow and Friday.”

Which fireworks are residents allowed to purchase and use?

Consumers can purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.

“Display fireworks” are only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place. Display fireworks include salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions.

Who can purchase fireworks?

Anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess and use consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks do not include “ground and hand-held sparkling devices”, “novelties” and “toy caps,” which are permitted at all times throughout the Commonwealth.

What are the restrictions on their use?

• Cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner
• Cannot be directed at another person
• Cannot be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle
• Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks
• Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug
• Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:
  • July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m.
  • If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday
    
    

The following may take, remove or cause to be removed all stocks of consumer or display fireworks sold, used, stored, or held in violation of this law:

• PSP
• Act 120 certified municipal police officers
• a sheriff or sheriff’s deputy
• A member of a Pennsylvania bomb squad accredited by the FBI and certified in hazardous devices training
  
  

Check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.

Where can fireworks be purchased?

Persons 18 years and older can buy consumer fireworks from a stand-alone, permanent structure licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Consumer fireworks may also be purchased through online, mail-order, or other transaction, but delivery of consumer fireworks to a purchaser shall take place at a licensed, permanent structure.