Garfield, NJ Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

New Jersey is one of the strictest fireworks states in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 21:3-2, any 'fireworks' — defined to include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortars, aerial repeaters, and any device containing explosive or flammable composition that produces a visible or audible effect by combustion — are unlawful to manufacture, sell, possess, transport, or discharge in NJ except for licensed public displays. P.L. 2017 c. 92, codified at N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 to 21:3-12, narrowly amended this prohibition to legalize a defined list of 'sparkling devices' and 'novelties' for non-licensed use by persons 16 or older: handheld and ground-based sparkling devices that emit showers of sparks (e.g., wire sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels), snakes/glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers (party poppers, snappers). Devices that fly through the air or explode (including all aerial repeaters and firecrackers) remain illegal. Public displays require a permit issued under N.J.S.A. 21:3-3 by the local enforcing agency (in Garfield, the Bureau of Fire Prevention) with concurrent state Division of Fire Safety oversight under N.J.A.C. 5:71. Garfield's local Code includes general public-safety provisions — including Ordinance No. 2820 (adopted Jan. 26, 2022) — and the city issues annual Fireworks Advisory reminders that aerial and explosive consumer fireworks remain illegal, that the use of fireworks in city parks is prohibited except for permitted displays, and that the bulk manufacture or storage of fireworks and explosives is classified as a hazardous use under the Garfield Zoning Code.