Fireworks Regulations Reminder For Horsham Residents

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —If you're going to light fireworks in Horsham Township to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, Horsham ChATs wants residents to know the rules.

Horsham Community Police Services is hoping residents are "safe and responsible" this Fourth of July, especially if they are using any consumer fireworks.

"As we head into this holiday weekend we would like to remind our residents about the laws related to firework use," Horsham ChATs posted on Facebook.

The rules state that fireworks:

• Cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the 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.

Consumer fireworks are considered “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.

Municipalities may restrict the use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except on July 2, 3, 4, and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m.

If July 4 falls on a Tuesday —as it does this year —they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday, Pennsylvania's fireworks law states.

Residents are also reminded that State Police, certified municipal police officers, a sheriff or sheriff’s deputy, or a member of a Pennsylvania bomb squad accredited by the FBI and certified in hazardous devices training may take, remove or cause to be removed all stocks of consumer or display fireworks sold, used, stored, or held in violation of the state fireworks law.

With very few exceptions, there are no areas in Horsham Township where it is legal to set off consumer-grade fireworks. Most of our neighborhoods have houses that are within the 150-foot restriction, township officials said.

Any violation of the above restrictions is illegal under Title 72, Section 2414 (1) and is punishable by a fine of $100, plus court costs.