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Erie, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
PA Act 74 of 2022 (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11)
Distance rule
150 ft from any occupied structure or vehicle
Minimum age
18 years old
Permission
Required from property owner for any site

Summary

Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022 (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11) preempts local fireworks bans and legalizes consumer fireworks statewide for anyone 18 or older. They may not be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle, on public/private property without the owner's permission, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Erie has no separate ordinance further restricting consumer fireworks.

Anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess and use consumer fireworks. ... Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. ... Consumer fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner. ... Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Source: Erie Code – Fire Prevention / PA Act 43 of 2017View official code

Full Breakdown

Fireworks in Erie are governed primarily by Pennsylvania state law. S. 4G - firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and aerial devices containing not more than 50 milligrams of explosive material). Per the Pennsylvania State Police, consumer fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure - defined as a structure, vehicle or place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or for conducting business - regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user; cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner; and cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

Municipalities may adopt reasonable regulations on the time and manner of use that do not conflict with the state law, but cannot ban what the Commonwealth permits. The City of Erie Fire Department advises residents to refrain from fireworks during any active outdoor burning ban.

Violations & Fines

Discharging consumer fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure, without property-owner permission, or while intoxicated is a summary offense under 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11. Display fireworks (professional-grade) require a permit from the municipality and a licensed pyrotechnician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consumer fireworks legal in Erie, PA?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Act 74 of 2022 legalizes consumer fireworks statewide for anyone 18 or older, and the state law preempts local bans. They must still be used at least 150 feet from any occupied building or vehicle.
Where can I NOT set off fireworks in Erie?
You cannot discharge them within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle, on public or private property without the owner's permission, on Commonwealth property, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Can the City of Erie ban fireworks entirely?
No. State law preempts a total local ban, though the city may regulate the time and manner of use. During an active outdoor burning ban the Fire Department asks residents to refrain from fireworks voluntarily.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Erie

All Erie rules

How Erie compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview

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