Scranton, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Distance buffer
- 150 ft from occupied structure/vehicle
- City property
- Consumer fireworks banned outright
- Allowed dates
- July 2-4, Dec 31, Memorial/Labor Day
- Display permit fee
- $250, nonrefundable
- Penalties
- $500/$750/$1,000 escalating fines
Summary
Scranton bans consumer fireworks use on any street, sidewalk, park or public building without the property owner's permission, within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle, or while intoxicated, and forbids them outright on all City property. Legal use is confined to specific holiday windows under § 245-3, and commercial displays need a City permit under § 245-4.
No person may intentionally use consumer fireworks within the City of Scranton: (1) On a public or private property, including but not limited to streets, parking lots, sidewalks, City parks, and public buildings, without express permission of the owner or entity that controls the property; (2) Within, directed at, or directed from a vehicle or building; (3) Directed at another person; (4) While the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug; and/or (5) Within 150 feet of an occupied structure and/or vehicle, whether or not a person is actually present in that building at the time and whether or not the user of the consumer fireworks owns the building or vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4719898; v25 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 245, adopted June 27, 2023 by Ordinance No. 73-2023, governs both consumer and display fireworks in the City. Section 245-2 bars intentional use of consumer fireworks on public or private property without the owner's permission, from or at a vehicle or building, directed at another person, while under the influence, or within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle regardless of whether the user owns it. Subsection B separately bans all consumer fireworks use on City property, including streets, parking lots, sidewalks, parks and public buildings, with no permission exception.
m. Display fireworks, the large commercial-grade type, need a City permit under § 245-4: the display can't ignite within 300 feet of a consumer fireworks retailer, must be run by an operator at least 21 with safety training, requires a $1,000,000 general liability policy naming the City as additional insured, and carries a nonrefundable $250 application fee submitted at least two weeks ahead. The Fire Chief or a designated official approves the permit and can grant a weather extension.
Violations & Fines
Each prohibited use of consumer fireworks is a separate violation under § 245-5. A citation carries a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for each offense after that, on top of any other penalty the law allows. Using display fireworks without the City permit is a separate violation of § 245-4's permit requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally set off fireworks in my backyard in Scranton?
Are fireworks banned in Scranton parks?
Do I need a permit for a fireworks display in Scranton?
What's the fine for illegal fireworks use in Scranton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scranton
How Scranton compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Scranton to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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