Huntsville, AL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 13-33
- Default rule
- Fireworks possession/sale/use prohibited
- Allowed devices
- Novelties + 5 listed sparkling-device types
- Minimum age unaccompanied
- 18
- Drought suspension authority
- Fire chief, sole discretion
- Penalty
- Seizure/destruction plus Sec. 1-7 (up to $500/6 mo.)
Summary
Huntsville bans possessing, manufacturing, storing, selling or using fireworks under Sec. 13-33, except for permitted displays and a defined list of novelties and sparkling devices like fountains, ground spinners and wheels. Users under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the fire chief can suspend outdoor use during drought conditions.
(b)The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks are hereby prohibited, with the following exceptions:(1)The storage and handling of fireworks as allowed in Section 5604 of the Huntsville Fire Code.(2)The manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 of the Huntsville Fire Code.(3)The use of fireworks for fireworks displays as allowed in Section 5608 of the Huntsville Fire Code.(4)The possession, storage, sale, handling, and use of the specific types of fireworks that are expressly allowed by subsections (c) and (d) of this section... (f)Prohibition. No person under 18 years of age shall discharge, ignite, or explode novelties or sparkling devices unless in the company of a person of at least 18 years of age.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 13-33(b) prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks citywide, carving out four exceptions: storage and handling allowed under Fire Code Section 5604, manufacture/assembly/testing allowed under Section 5605, licensed fireworks displays under Section 5608, and the specific novelties and sparkling devices expressly allowed by subsections (c) and (d) if they meet the 2006 NFPA 1124 edition and federal CPSC/USDA standards. Subsection (c) allows novelties generally, while subsection (d) lists five permitted sparkling-device types by American Pyrotechnic Association standard, fountain (cone and cylindrical), ground spinner (no reports allowed), illuminating torch, and wheel; anything else remains banned.
Subsection (e) lets the fire chief suspend outdoor use of novelties and sparkling devices at any time, in his sole discretion, during drought or other fire-risk weather conditions, and using them after a verbal warning during a suspension is itself unlawful and exposes the devices to seizure. Subsection (f) bars anyone under 18 from discharging, igniting or exploding a novelty or sparkling device unless accompanied by someone 18 or older. Subsection (h) preserves that state law controls if it is more restrictive than the city rule.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 13-33(g) makes fireworks possessed, manufactured, stored, sold, handled or used in violation of the section subject to seizure and destruction by the fire chief or his designees. Sec. 13-33(i) additionally applies the Code's general penalty in Sec. 1-7 to any violation: a fine up to $500.00, up to six months' imprisonment or hard labor in the city jail, or both, with continuing violations counted as separate offenses each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks legal in Huntsville?
Can a teenager set off sparklers alone in Huntsville?
Can the city stop fireworks use during a drought?
What happens if I'm caught with illegal fireworks in Huntsville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
How Huntsville compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama fire regulations overview
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