The Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal reminds Delawareans and visitors that fireworks are prohibited in the State of Delaware, with the following exceptions:

•  Certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other nonairborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on July 4th, the third day of Diwali, Dec. 31st, and January 1st.
• Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following: spinners, fountains, jumping jacks, ground blooms, and handheld sparklers. These firework types can be purchased by a person 18 years of age or older only between June 4th and July 4th and December 1st and Jan 1st each year.

What is Prohibited?

Aerial and explosive fireworks of any type are prohibited throughout the year. Prohibited fireworks include the following: bottle rockets, firecrackers or fire balloons, aerials like Roman candles, and any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code, Title 16, Chapter 69, D.

Not only are these fireworks prohibited in Delaware, but it is also illegal to purchase them across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines. However, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.

The State Fire Marshal reserves the right to confiscate all explosives or fireworks found to be illegally possessed within Delaware.

Safety

Along with being courteous to neighbors and pets, individuals setting off permitted fireworks at home need to follow proper safety measures when using any sort of fireworks.

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.

Proper disposal of permitted fireworks is extremely important. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or other mishap. Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Dispose of the used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water and place the bucket at least 10 feet away from any buildings, homes, or decks.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually in the United States. In 2023, the firework types with the highest estimated emergency documented injuries were firecrackers (800), followed by sparklers (700). Burns accounted for 42% of the 9,700 injuries treated in emergency rooms, around July 4th.

Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 5-9 years old having the second highest rate. The parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (35%) along with head, face, and ears (22%). In fiscal year 2023, approximately 18% of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload. (Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 2023 Fireworks Annual Report).

This year is especially dangerous to use any consumer fireworks because of the dry conditions. The safe alternative is to attend professional fireworks shows. All in-state fireworks shows are controlled events, with permitted displays by licensed pyrotechnicians. Any use of fireworks by a licensed company or association requires a permit which details who is igniting the display and the location. These permit applications must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s Office at least 30 days prior to the event for approval.

For more information on Fireworks in Delaware please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/investigations/fireworks/  or contact us at fire.marshal@delaware.gov

Fireworks Brochure

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