Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Blog

Working with commercial fireworks has given me and those I work with a thrill only a true “pyro freak” could understand. However, we keep hearing of those out there that like to use non-legal fireworks and the argument they make of “I thought they were Legal”. So, I figured I would write a little about what governs “legal or not”  
Every state in the USA has their own laws governing fireworks and who can use them.  For the most part, fireworks we see today fall under a rating of 1.3G or 1.4G. If you’re using/watching the fireworks you buy at stands and in stores, you are most likely using “consumer fireworks” or “1.4G.” If your watching the large professional fireworks used in public displays, you are most likely watching “Display Fireworks” or “1.3G fireworks” The exact specifications which divide 1.3G fireworks from 1.4G fireworks are found in these sections of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html  Most states have regulations on fireworks that allow you to buy and use fireworks in that state. Those fireworks are all found on a list in the state Fire Marshal code to be considered “safe and sane” “Safe and Sane” usually describes fireworks that do not fly or explode. For example; Fountains, sparklers, smoke, strobes, and ground spinners. These are all novelty fireworks that do not travel. Firecrackers, rockets, missiles, mines, shells, aerial cakes, flying spinners and roman candles are usually not considered “Safe and Sane” fireworks, although they still are perfectly legal in many states. Only certain states restrict the types of fireworks sold to just “Safe and Sane” types and each place that does has its own specific definition of which fireworks are “Safe and Sane.”  For more information on what laws and regulations are contact your State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.  For those who live in California, you can contact the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection at:
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fire Engineering Division
FIREWORKS PROGRAM
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, California 94244-2460
(916) 445-8373   (916) 445-8458 FAX
Web Site: http://osfm.fire.ca.gov