Consumer Fireworks are Dangerous and Illegal

It is not uncommon to see and hear fireworks displays before, during and after the Fourth of July, presumably supplied at some roadside fireworks stand between here and New Jersey —maybe at the ever popular Phantom Fireworks. 

“We aren’t big fans of them,” said Robert W. Novatnack, the Bethlehem Fire Department’s deputy commissioner and fire marshal. “Ask any firefighter who has responded to an incident.”

Most people probably don’t know “consumer” fireworks are illegal in Pennsylvania, he said.

“Consumer fireworks are firecrackers, bottle rockets, airborne rockets and tube devices” said Novatnack. “They are illegal to buy in Pennsylvania but these are sold on those stores on Route 378 — Phantom Fireworks or TNT.” 

These roadside stands or stores are required to check a person’s driver’s license to determine if they are Pennsylvania residents andvthey can only sell consumer fireworks to those from surrounding states, a law enforceable by the State Police.

So, what is legal for PA residents to purchase to light up the night?

Novatnack said, “sparklers, ground based sparklers that emit showers, spinners, smoke devices and novelties are legal to buy in Pennsylvania for Pennsylvania residents.”

Sparklers, spinners and such are not considered consumer fireworks because they are not regulated by the fireworks law. So giving your children sparklers won’t land you a fine but don’t get caught with a cherry bombs, which are considered federally banned explosives.

Holding up a confiscated novelty firework, Novatnack said, “All fireworks have some sort of risk or danger. To a police officer, a novelty item like this looks like a real grenade and could pose a threat if discharged in a public building by causing a panic.” 

When asked what poses the greatest threat to consumers, Novatnack said, “Unsupervised children with fireworks are the biggest threat because the kids don’t realize the danger with what could happen. We don’t always have a fatality, but there is an eye injury, a burn injury, fires that start in the home.” 

Novatnack wanted to remind everyone that these seemingly benign novelties can be dangers. Sparklers can reach up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and children should be supervised when playing with them. Even smoke bomb are dangerous “if you throw it in the wrong place and it starts a fire or hurts someone you are liable for the damage done with novelties,” Novatnack said.

Display fireworks, like the one that will be launched from Sand Island this Fourth of July is a highly choreographed exhibition that entails the cooperation of the police, firefighters and the shooters.

In a 2010 memo, Fire Marshal Novatnack outlined a highly detailed standard operating procedure for all fireworks displays to address fireworks safety, civilian safety and firefighter safety. 

On hand at any fireworks display are the Fire Department and first responders equipped with an automated external defibrillator at the Sand Island tennis courts, while Bethlehem EMS is stationed at the Ice House. Within the fall out distance of about 750 feet, firefighters in full gear are ready to hose down any hot spots well after the finale.

“Even at a professional display, there is a chance that someone could get injured,” said Novatnack. He cited some recent examples of injuries caused at professionally run events.  

• In the 1980s display fireworks at Liberty High School detonated on the roof of nearby row homes, causing extensive damage.
• In 1999, an individual who lit an unexploded firework found on Sand sustained flash burns to the face and eyes.
• In 2007, a Bethlehem firefighter sustained minor injuries during a fireworks display at MusikFest where a malfunctioning shell about an inch in diameter lacerated his check. 

Novatnack warns against making improvised devises or purchasing kits over the Internet. “These are quarter-sticks of dynamite, M-80’s, anything without regulated fuses or warning labels … made in people’s garages or basements and are illegal,” said Novatnack. 

The unregulated fuses pose a huge threat because it the varying lengths and materials don’t always provide enough time for an individual to throw them a safe distance before they explode. This is how people end up with burns, loss of fingers, hands or worse. 

“Any persons displaying use of illegal federally banned fireworks in the municipality, which include ‘Cherry Bombs’, ‘Silver Salutes’, or ‘M80’s’ shall be arrested and fined $100.00 or face imprisonment in the county jail for 90 days, or both fined and imprisoned,” according to the PA Fireworks Law, signed by former Governor Ed. Rendell in 2004.

Any law enforcement officer can make an arrest and confiscate your fireworks, but they aren’t trolling the neighborhood looking for illegal fireworks displays. The law enforcement relies on citizens, usually neighbors, to make a call alerting police or fire fighters.

“Call immediately; don’t wait until the day after, call the Police, Fire Department or 911," Novatnack said.

At the end of the day, “the best place to go is a fireworks display hosted by the city or a legitimate business,” said Novatnack. Bethlehem will hold its Annual 4th of July Fireworks display, launched from Sand Island, on Monday, July 4th at 7:30 p.m.

The best places to view the fireworks are City Hall and the Public Library Complex.