PA Fireworks Reform

Photo: PA Post, Ed Mahon

Welcome! The following is a citizens attempt to inform and build consensus around reasonable changes to the current PA fireworks laws and enforcement for the good of all. More resources will be added and if you have anything to share please contact me at asahelchurch at gmail dot com.

SIGN THE PETITION!

HISTORY and BACKGROUND OF PROBLEM

Explanation of law and remaining restrictions, YDR, June 18, 2018
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2018/06/18/pennsylvania-new-fireworks-laws-make-bang-july-4th-safety-legal-illegal/697580002/

The Fire Rises: Refining the Pennsylvania Fireworks Law so that Fewer People Get Burned, Sean Kraus, Dickinson Law Review
https://ideas.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/dlr/vol123/iss3/9/

LAWS and REGULATIONS

The ATF oversees manufacture but not the sale and distribution of consumer fireworks. Most consumer fireworks fall below the threshold for federal guidelines regarding transportation of explosives.
https://www.atf.gov/explosives/fireworks

The DOT oversees transportation of fireworks.
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/energetic-materials-approvals/fireworks

Glossary of Pyrotechnic Terms from the Industry
https://www.americanpyro.com/glossary-of-pyrotechnic-terms

In the past 10 years, the classification system for fireworks changed. There is still confusion and the old "class" designations are often still used. This handout, apparently given to firework stand operators to help them comply with ordinances, is helpful:
https://www.shoalwaterbay-nsn.gov/assets/PDFs/Law--Order-Codes/Stand-Owner-Fireworks-classifications-in-the-United-States.pdf


CONCERNS

Noise Pollution and Peace of Neighborhood
-LA on July 4th https://twitter.com/KTLA/status/1279640387859218433?s=20

Pets
-Fireworks: Awesome for Human, Terrifying for Pets https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/fireworks-july-fourth-tips

PTSD

Safety
-"On average 180 people go to the emergency room every day..." CPSC.gov

-"Fire cause by illegal fireworks causes fire displaces 10 in York City," YDR 7/5/20
YDR News Fire 7-5-2020

-Lancaster City Building Fir Caused by Careless Use of Fireworks 7/5/2020
CityofLancasterpa.com Headline

(Air) Pollution and Fireworks
Forbes article on fireworks and air pollution

DATA

Consumer Product Safety Commission
-publishes a report of firework injuries among other things each year
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

CURRENT LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

There is an amendment in the PA House to increase the first offense fine to $500 and subsequent to $1000 with confiscation. In my opinion, this is not going to help in any significant way. It doesn't help cut off supply OR help local enforcement who still have to either see the individual illegally using fireworks or find a witness willing to testify - all of which is time consuming and is NOT what our police force should be forced to waste time on.

PA Sen. Kristin Philips-Hill talks with York City Fire Chief Deardorf about the problem 7/2/2020
https://soundcloud.com/senatorkristin/070220-firework-safety-with-york-city-fire-chief-chad-deardorff

Survey Results from Phillips-Hill, 7-2020

Phillips-Hill 07-2020 "The survey mirrors calls and emails received at our offices over the last several weeks from concerned local neighbors.

This feedback will be shared in your state Capitol. I will formally request a hearing to allow voices to be heard on this growing concern throughout York County and across the state to determine how we move forward to allow our community to safely and responsibly enjoy the Fourth of July holiday.

You can view the 2017 vote on the law to permit “consumer fireworks” (e.g., bottle rockets, Roman candles, etc.) here: House vote | Senate vote.

As always, feel free to contact me with any opinion, suggestion or concern as it pertains to this issue or any state-related matter."

September 24, 2019 Committee Hearing
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/TR/Transcripts/2019_0126T.pdf

'It Sounds Like a War Zone' PA Post, July 12, 2019
https://papost.org/2019/07/12/it-sounds-like-a-war-zone-why-a-bucks-county-fire-chief-and-lawmaker-wants-more-restrictions-on-pa-fireworks/

Get involved!

Step 1: Talk to Your Neighbors

Sample letter to give to neighbors (coming soon)

Step 2: Sign the Petition

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/end-fireworks-madness-in-pa

Step 3: Contact Your State Representative

Find out who your PA state rep. is...

Step 4: Contact Your Local Municipality

Local (York City)

Friendly reminder from YCPD of the law
https://york.crimewatchpa.com/yorkpd/8395/post/fireworks-law