Philadelphia, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (codified at 72 P.S. Sec. 9401 et seq., later replaced by Act 74 of 2022) preempted local bans on Class C consumer fireworks, allowing items containing up to 50 mg of explosive material. Philadelphia responded by amending its Fire Code in July 2019 and again in October 2020 (Bill No. 200440) to layer in strict use rules. Under the Philadelphia Fire Code: consumer fireworks cannot be ignited within 150 feet of any occupied structure, motor vehicle, or under trees or power lines; cannot be used on public property without written permission from the city; cannot be discharged from or toward a building or vehicle; require written consent of the private property owner; cannot be used while impaired by alcohol or drugs; and cannot be used after 9:00 p.m. except on July 4, New Year's Eve, and other listed federal holidays, when the 9 p.m. cutoff is relaxed but all other rules still apply. Sale of consumer fireworks requires a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture license and a brick-and-mortar facility permit; per the state's licensed-seller map there are currently no licensed fireworks retailers within Philadelphia city limits. High-explosive (display) fireworks such as M-80s, cherry bombs, and quarter-sticks remain prohibited under federal law (18 U.S.C. Sec. 836) and the Philadelphia Fire Code.