30 June 2023- As the Fourth of July approaches, the Borough of Chambersburg would like to remind the public that on March 27, 2023, Town Council adopted a new local law, which ends the practice of igniting most types of fireworks anywhere inside the Borough.
Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022, changed the fireworks law throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. One of those changes permitted local municipalities to adopt a law stricter than the State law. Town Council took this opportunity to adopt stricter rules to protect the health and safety of people and property inside the Borough.
Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents allowed to purchase and use?
Stores inside the Borough are still permitted to sell “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. Sale and purchase are not impacted by the new local law, however, use of those fireworks is now prohibited in the Borough. Consumer fireworks do not include “ground and hand-held sparkling devices”, “novelties” and “toy caps,” which can still be used in the Borough.
Who can purchase fireworks?
Anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess or use consumer fireworks outside of the Borough, depending on local laws.
“Display fireworks,” which contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of explosive materials, are only to be used by professionals with a permit, which can obtain at Borough Hall from the Land Use and Community Development Department. It is important to note that the Fourth of July fireworks display at Memorial Park utilizes display fireworks ignited by professionals with a permit.
The new local fireworks law is enforced by the Chambersburg Police Department by calling the Franklin County Dispatcher at 717-263-1611. Any person using consumer or display fireworks in violation of the new local law shall be guilty of a summary offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a $500 fine in addition to any other penalty authorized by law.
