As Fires Spread, Norristown Authorities Point To Illegal Fireworks

NORRISTOWN, PA — The use of fireworks in municipalities around Montgomery County, particularly those that border more rural areas but are largely urban, has long been controversial. Long simmering issues have come to a head recently in Norristown, where authorities say they're handling an increasing number of calls for fires that were started by fireworks.

Just within the past two weeks, there have been multiple instances, officials said.

"A number of fireworks-related fires have already been called in this year," the fire department said in a statement Friday. "Fireworks are banned in Norristown for a reason. There is no safe space in the municipality to shoot them off."

Pennsylvania has changed their fireworks laws several times in recent years, opening up and then restricting when, where, and what kind of fireworks can be shot off. Final authority, however, is left to municipalities.

In November, Norristown passed a new ordinance banning all private fireworks. At the time, officials said the ordinance was sorely needed to keep the municipality in line with a change in state law that prohibits fireworks within 150 feet of any building or vehicle.

An investigation by officials found no safe location for fireworks to be set off in accordance with the letter of the law.

Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O’Donnell said that the last three 4th of July weekends have resulted in four building fires and one vehicle fire in town.

“Since 2020 we have seen an increase in calls over the holidays where fireworks are commonly used," O'Donnell said at the time, noting his support of the ban. “We think this ban is the right choice to protect lives and property and preventing further tragedies from happening considering how densely populated our community is."

The latest change to the state's Fireworks Law was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf last year and went into effect on Sept. 9. The law empowers municipalities to prohibit or restrict certain types of fireworks, and local jurisdictions can ban fireworks outright if the 150-limit cannot be met.

Local police said they would enforce the ban, and they asked for public help.

“Norristown Police will investigate any use of banned consumer fireworks that are reported and issue citations if evidence supports the need,” former Norristown Police Chief Derrick Wood said. “Neighbors will be needed to assist in prosecution, as they are the witnesses in most, if not all, instances. Witnesses will be needed for court proceedings, as police usually are not the first-hand witnesses of this type of activity."