Safe Use of Fireworks

Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July holiday and other summer celebrations, but these devices are as dangerous as they are beautiful to watch. Fireworks burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness. Fireworks should only be handled by professionals.

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Laws Governing Fireworks

With a few exceptions, the use of fireworks is illegal in Maryland, unless they are part of a public display for which the State Fire Marshal has granted a permit. A list of legal, public displays in Baltimore County is available online. Violators who possess or discharge illegal fireworks are subject to a misdemeanor fine of up to $250.

The Baltimore County Fire Department and the Maryland State Fire Marshal offer these guidelines:

• Hand-held sparklers are legal in Baltimore County if their packaging states that they do not contain chlorates or perchlorates.
  
• A relatively recent change in Maryland fire laws permits the sale, purchase and use of ground-based sparkler devices in Baltimore County. These are stationary ground-based devices that emit a shower of sparks several feet into the air. The state Fire Marshal provides a complete list of legal, ground-based sparkler devices.
  
• You must be at least 16 years old to purchase hand-held and ground-based sparklers.
  
• Hand-held or ground-based devices that create an explosion, detonation, loud noise, that launch a projectile or move along the ground under their own power are illegal in Baltimore County.
  
• With the exception of hand-held sparklers and ground-based sparkler devices, you cannot have a private display of fireworks at your home. However, you can have a public display with the proper permits and insurance.
  
• It is illegal to purchase fireworks outside of Maryland and bring them into the state.
  
• Toy caps are legal, but only if they use .25 grams of gunpowder or less and are designed so the hand cannot come into contact with the cap when in use. Do not allow small children to use cap guns.

Local laws about the use of hand-held and ground-based sparklers vary throughout Maryland. For information about what is allowed in neighboring jurisdictions, contact the Fire Marshal's office in that jurisdiction.

For complete information about state fireworks regulations, visit the State Fire Marshal .

The National Fire Protection Association provides more detailed information on fireworks safety.

Revised June 19, 2009