Fireworks: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do fireworks rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Buffalo. Although NY State legalized sparkling devices in 2015, Erie County opted out, meaning even sparklers and ground-based fountains remain prohibited in Buffalo under NY Penal Law Section 270.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Erie County Local Law 2-2025, "The Sky Lantern Prohibition Act," bans the sale, use, release, and dispatch of sky lanterns county-wide. The law was adopted by the Erie County Legislature on July 24, 2025 and signed by County Executive Mark Poloncarz on August 12, 2025. Sky lanterns are classified as unattended recreational fires that pose fire, livestock, and entrapment hazards.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer | All banned (Erie Co. opted out) | - |
| Sparklers | Also illegal in Buffalo | - |
| Penal Law | NY PL 270.00 | - |
| Fine | Up to 250 dollars + 15 days | - |
| Displays | Permit from BFD + DEC only | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Can I buy sparklers in Pennsylvania and bring them back to Buffalo?
No. Transporting fireworks into New York is illegal regardless of where they were bought. Erie County bans even sparklers that are legal in other NY counties.
What about professional Fourth of July shows at LaSalle Park?
Professional displays require a NYC DEC pyrotechnic license, a Buffalo Fire Department permit, liability insurance, and site inspection.
Clarence FAQ
Can I release sky lanterns at a wedding or memorial in Erie County, NY?
No. Erie County Local Law 2-2025, Section 5, prohibits releasing or dispatching any sky lantern (including Chinese candle kites, wish lanterns, and fire balloons) into the air anywhere in Erie County. A first offense is punishable by a fine up to $250; subsequent offenses are unclassified misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000.
Are stores in Erie County allowed to sell sky lanterns?
No. Section 4 of Local Law 2-2025 prohibits any person or business in Erie County from selling, offering for sale, or permitting the sale of sky lanterns. The Erie County Sheriff's Department enforces violations by issuing a summons.
Does the sky lantern ban apply to traditional consumer fireworks too?
Local Law 2-2025 specifically addresses sky lanterns, not traditional consumer fireworks. Other consumer fireworks remain regulated by NY Penal Law §270.00, which makes most fireworks illegal statewide. "Sparkling devices" may be permitted under §270.00's 2015 exception unless a county has opted out — consult NY State Police guidance for the current local status.
Who enforces the sky lantern ban in Erie County?
Section 7 of Local Law 2-2025 designates the Erie County Sheriff's Department as the primary enforcement agency, with any other law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in Erie County also empowered to enforce the law by issuing a summons.
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