Norristown Plans To Ban Fireworks

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown's municipal council plans to ban consumer-grade fireworks in town, as the current local fireworks regulations pose a significant threat to public safety and property, officials argue.

The new ordinance will keep Norristown 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.

Council will vote on the issue at a meeting on Nov. 15.

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 added, 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,” 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."

The Nov. 15 meeting is open to the public.