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Believed to have been accidentally discovered around 2,000 years ago in China, fireworks have now become a regular past time for patriotic Americans enjoying their summers. With famous local displays like those in Galeton, Pennsylvania and at the Ives Run State Park in Tioga, Pennsylvanians are no strangers to fireworks.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, “PA 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,’ which are classified as including 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, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.”

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

Be safe and enjoy our nation’s birthday!