Berks County, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- PA Act 43/74, 72 P.S. §9404
- Minimum age
- 18 to buy or use
- Distance rule
- 150 ft from occupied structure
- County role
- None; state law controls
- Penalty
- Summary offense, up to $500
Summary
Under PA Act 43 of 2017, residents 18+ may buy and set off consumer fireworks, but never within 150 feet of an occupied structure, on others' property without permission, or while impaired. Reading and your township may add time limits.
Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, cannot be ignited on public or private property without express permission of the property owner, and cannot be used while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.
Full Breakdown
Berks County itself does not license consumer fireworks; Pennsylvania's statewide fireworks law (Act 43 of 2017, later amended by Act 74 of 2022, 72 P.S. §9401 et seq.) controls. Consumer/'Class C' fireworks are legal for anyone 18 or older. The state bars discharge within 150 feet of an occupied structure, on public or another person's property without express permission, and by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Municipalities (Reading, Wyomissing, Muhlenberg, your township) may further restrict time and place, and may bar use between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. During a Berks County burn ban, fireworks are effectively barred.
Violations & Fines
Using consumer fireworks in violation is a summary offense, fine up to $500; up to $1,000 if within three years of a prior conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in my Berks County backyard?
Are fireworks banned during a county burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berks County
How Berks County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Berks County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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