June 25, 2019
Cookouts, time with family, and watching fireworks are all part of the traditional festivities for
the 4th of July. The Chambersburg Fire Department urges all to let the fireworks to the
professionals by enjoying the spectacular display at Memorial Park on Thursday July 4th. Please
listen to local radio stations and search social media for times and rain dates. Please do not
contact the fire department with questions about the fireworks display which is hosted by the 21
Day Retreat as well as the Chambersburg Rec Department.
Please help assist us with making it a safe and enjoyable holiday and note that Pennsylvania has
also set new laws into effect in 2018 on how fireworks can be used. A short listing of these are
below: (More information can be found at https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/pages/fireworks-safety.aspx)
Q: Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?
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. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously
only available to out-of-state residents.
“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.
Q: Who can purchase fireworks?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase them.
Q: What are the restrictions on where they can be used?
· 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, whether or not a
person is actually present.
· They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a
controlled substance, or another drug.
FIREWORKS FACTS AND INFORMATION
· Consumer fireworks include sparklers and firecrackers. Did you know that the tip of a sparkler
burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause 3rd
degree burns? https://www.nfpa.org/fireworks
· A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) says that there are about
200 fireworks injuries a day during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. Learn
more about firework safety here https://www.nfpa.org/fireworks
· Watch our Fireworks Safety PSA - Dan Doofus urges people not to use consumer Fireworks
because they are too dangerous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcFuIEwbITA
· A dramatic demonstration of the dangers of consumer fireworks, hosted by the Alliance to
Stop Consumer Fireworks (coordinated by the National Fire Protection Association) and the
Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's office. This video shows damage fireworks could cause if a
person stands too close to fireworks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0uMUH6jta0
· Patrick and Marci Foy, and their daughter, Olivia, were injured while attending a family
celebration, and were among more than a dozen people hurt. Hear them tell their
story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlAB-NuZYfI
· This NFPA public service announcement, "Safe? Sane?" urges people not to use consumer
fireworks because they are too dangerous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAEzZVPsP3Q
