Olmsted County, MN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Minnesota's consumer fireworks framework is in Minn. Stat. §§624.20 through 624.25. Section 624.20 defines 'fireworks' broadly to include any composition or device prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. Since the 2002 amendment to §624.20, the definition of 'fireworks' was narrowed at the consumer level to permit a limited class of non-explosive, non-aerial items: (1) wire or wood sparklers of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item; and (2) other sparkling items that are non-explosive and non-aerial - including fountains, ground spinners, illuminating torches, wheels, and flash strobes - that contain 75 grams or less of chemical mixture per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes. Snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers (party poppers, snappers) are also permitted. Section 624.21 prohibits the offering for sale, possession, advertising, use, or explosion of fireworks outside the consumer-permitted class - this preserves the statewide ban on bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, mortars, sky rockets, and any aerial device. Penalties under Section 624.25 include confiscation and fines (commonly cited up to $3,000 in higher-tier violations). Use of consumer fireworks must occur on private property; public property (parks, streets, alleys, schools) is off-limits. Local units of government may impose additional restrictions or licensing fees on retail sellers (capped at $350 per year for sparkler-only retailers; $100 for others). Olmsted County and the City of Rochester operate under these statewide rules; the Rochester Fire Department enforces local provisions. Public displays require a permit under Minn. Stat. §624.22 and licensed pyrotechnicians.