Consumer fireworks in Erie, PA are governed by Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022 (codified at 3 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 24, which repealed Act 43 of 2017), and locally enforced by the Erie Bureau of Fire under the IFC adopted at Part Fifteen of the Codified Ordinances. Fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle. Use is restricted to 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., extended to 1:00 a.m. on July 2, 3, 4 and December 31.
Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022 (3 Pa. C.S.A. Sections 2401 et seq.) repealed Act 43 of 2017 and re-established the rules under which Pennsylvania residents aged 18 and older may purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks (firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar 1.4G devices). Act 74 imposes a statewide 150-foot setback: a person may not ignite, discharge, or otherwise use consumer fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure, regardless of who owns the structure or whether a person is actually present. The 150-foot zone applies to occupied structures and vehicles. Act 74 expressly authorizes municipalities to restrict hours of use, with the floor being no use between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. except July 2, 3, and 4 (and the immediately preceding/following Friday and Saturday if July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), and December 31, when use is permitted until 1:00 a.m. The City of Erie has issued public reminders about Act 74 compliance and enforces these limits through the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Display fireworks (1.3G) and any commercial use require a permit from the City Fire Marshal under IFC 5601.2.1 and a state license under Act 74. Because Erie is a dense urban core (population approximately 94,800 in 6.0 sq mi), the 150-foot setback effectively bans backyard fireworks in most residential blocks - a 150-foot circle generally cannot fit within a typical Erie city lot.
Violation of Act 74's setback or hours is a summary offense punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 under 3 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2407, with possible confiscation of the fireworks. Erie may also enforce through the local IFC penalty section, typically up to $1,000 per offense, plus restitution for fire suppression. Discharging fireworks while intoxicated, on public or another person's property without consent, or in a manner that causes a fire is a separate offense and may upgrade to a misdemeanor under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sections 3301 (arson) or 5503 (disorderly conduct).
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