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4th of July: Where are fireworks illegal? Which states ban them?

Last year, some US states banned the use of pyrotechnics due to the increased danger brought by drought. This year, however, only one state has this ban.

Update:
Last year, some US states banned the use of pyrotechnics due to the increased danger brought by drought. This year, however, only one state has this ban.
STEPH CHAMBERSAFP

July fourth is upon us and tens of millions of Americans are traveling the length and breadth of the country to celebrate with family and friends. The holiday is well known for its food and firework shows, and last year, the environmental situation of the US put some of those plans on hold.

Authorities were concerned that the unlicensed launching of fireworks could lead to a heightened risk of serious forest fires, so they prohibited their use. According to the National Fire Protection Association more wildfires are started on July fourth compared to any other day of the year.

This year, however, restrictions have been lifted, and most of the country can enjoy the traditional fireworks associated with this holiday.

READ ALSO: How old is America on July 4th?

Which states have a ban on fireworks?

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the only state in the country which has a permanent ban on consumer fireworks. However, professionals are allowed to stage pyrotechnic shows, so you could still catch a display in the state.

READ ALSO: 4th of July: Trivia Quiz

Fireworks regulations for other states

The other 49 states allow the sale of consumer fireworks in one form or the other, depending on the provisions of state laws. The form that these fireworks could take would depend on how lenient or how strict these state laws are.

Hawaii, Nevada, and Wyoming allow each county to establish their own regulations regarding the purchase of consumer fireworks.

There are fifteen states that allow only the sale of non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks.

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

When is it legal to set off fireworks?

So you don’t break any regulations when you light up your fireworks, do remember that there is only a limited number of hours during which they are allowed. They are usually permitted from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on non-holidays, but they can go later on special occasions, like midnight on the 4th of July, and two hours after sunset during 4th of July weekend.