Blog | June 24, 2026
Fireworks Safety and Your Legal Rights in Pennsylvania
The sky lights up with a spray of sparks that float effortlessly through the night air. Those flashes of fire are followed by a thunderous boom. Everyone watches in awe, mesmerized by the experience and taking it all in with excited anticipation.
Yes, it is the Fourth of July, and we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Few traditions are as closely associated with summer celebrations as fireworks. While fireworks can be exciting and create lifelong memories, they can also cause serious injuries—and even death—in a matter of seconds.
In 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported approximately 14,700 fireworks-related injuries and 11 deaths nationwide. Sparkler injuries alone sent an estimated 1,700 people to emergency departments across the United States. While children and teenagers are especially vulnerable, with nearly one-third of injuries involving children under age 15, adults ages 25 to 44 account for the highest number of reported fireworks-related injuries.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
Pennsylvania’s Fireworks Statute, 3 Pa.C.S. § 1104, places the following restrictions on the use of consumer fireworks:
- A person must be at least 18 years of age to legally purchase, possess, and use consumer fireworks.
- Fireworks may not be used on private property without the property owner’s express permission.
- Fireworks may not be used on public property, including streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and parks, without permission from the controlling governmental entity.
- Fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied building or vehicle.
- Fireworks may not be discharged from a vehicle.
- Fireworks may not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
- Fireworks may not be discharged or directed at another person.
- Fireworks may not be directed at or toward a building.
For additional rules governing your specific neighborhood, consult your local township, borough, or city government’s website. Your local police department or municipal office may also publish applicable ordinances online.
These laws exist for a reason: to protect people from preventable injuries and property damage caused by the improper or unsafe use of fireworks.
COMMON FIREWORKS INJURIES
Common fireworks-related injuries include:
- Burns and permanent scarring
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Hearing damage
- Finger and hand injuries, including fractures and amputations
- PTSD and emotional trauma, particularly in young children and trauma survivors
As we quickly approach celebrations that incorporate the splendor and excitement of fireworks, it is important to understand both the legal responsibilities and safety risks associated with their use.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A FIREWORK-RELATED INJURY?
- Evaluate the injury and seek medical attention immediately. If necessary, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Photograph your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
- Preserve any remaining fireworks, packaging, and debris.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Report the incident when appropriate.
- Contact an attorney if you believe another person’s or entity’s negligence contributed to the injury.
If you or someone you know is injured in a fireworks-related accident, the attorneys at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo are available to discuss your legal rights and options. For a free consultation, call (610) 625-2100.