Norristown Issues Warning To Residents Over Fireworks

NORRISTOWN, PA — With major Fourth of July events canceled this year due to coronavirus, independent celebrations have taken hold in Norristown and around the region. The municipality issued a warning to residents reminding them of the law and urging caution.

The situation has been compounded following the passage of a new state law in 2017 that permits Pennsylvania residents to purchase consumer-grade fireworks. However, there are several limitations to the law which are not being obeyed around town, officials said.

The absence of a major celebration this year "does not mean the fireworks should turn into a nightly event in front of residential homes throughout Norristown," the municipality said in a statement.

The following regulations apply:

• Fireworks cannot be shot off on public or private property without the permission of the owner
• They cannot be shot within 150 feet of an occupied structure
• They cannot be shot from within a car or building
• They cannot be shot toward car or building

Officials are urging residents to be mindful of the risks.

“Fireworks can be fun and exciting," Norristown Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell said in a statement. "Unfortunately, emergency responders respond to firework related emergencies involving injury, property damage or worse."

An average of 250 people go to the emergency room with fireworks injuries in the month around Fourth of July.

“We want people to know fireworks are not toys," O'Donnell added.

Fines of up to $1,000 will be assessed for violations.

The borough has published the following graphic detailing fireworks-related injuries: