Fireworks Information

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Fireworks Use

In 2002 fireworks legislation in Minnesota passed to allow for the public sale, possession, and use of a limited number of, but not all, consumer fireworks. Examples of legal fireworks are:

Wire, wood, or flitter sparkler
Cylindrical or cone fountain
Illuminating torch
Wheel
Ground Spinner
Flash/Strobe
Novelty items such as snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, or trick noisemakers which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops, each consisting of not more than twenty-five hundredths grains of explosive mixture

These consumer fireworks may not be used on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property, etc.). Purchasers of these fireworks must be at least 18 years old and retailers need to check photo identification. Sale, possession, and use may occur at any time during the year.

Explosive and aerial fireworks are still prohibited for public sale, possession, and use. Prohibited fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars, and shells. Requirements for “public” display fireworks and certification for use remain unchanged and are regulated according to Minnesota Statute 624.20.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are associated with many injuries and the following safety guidelines are offered by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to reduce fireworks injuries, fires, and nuisance complaints:

Read, understand, and follow the instructions on each device prior to use.
Use fireworks with close adult supervision.
Choose a safe place to use fireworks that is far from anything that could be damaged from the normal or abnormal operation of any device. Fireworks should only be ignited outdoors and away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush, or combustible materials.
Anyone acting in an irresponsible manner or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs should not handle or discharge fireworks.
Keep fireworks away from small children and store them in a cool dry location away from sources of ignition (heat and flames). Fireworks should not be allowed to become wet and should not be used when dried after becoming wet.
Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
Lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or open flames should be kept away from fireworks that are for sale or when stored.
Never ignite fireworks inside another container, such as inside a bottle or can.
Eye protection is recommended for those using fireworks. Never throw fireworks or aim them at another person, animal, or building.
Only light one firework device at a time, then move away from the device quickly. Keep clear of any device that has been ignited, but has yet to go off.
If a firework device has been ignited but fails to go off, stay clear of the device for an extended period of time to prevent injury due to delayed activation. Soak the device in water before handling it.
Never place any part of your body, especially your head, over the firework device when lighting. Approach the item from the side and light while keeping your body away from the item.
Never relight malfunctioning fireworks. Report any defects back to the seller or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Never experiment with fireworks, make your own fireworks, or alter fireworks in any manner (a strong federal prohibition exists for such activity).

Fireworks Display & Permits

Permit Required
Minn. Stat. § 624.22, Subd. 1 requires the fireworks display to be supervised by an operator certified by the state fire marshal. The sponsor of a fireworks display must obtain a permit from the City Clerk to conduct a fireworks display. The sponsor must submit a written application for a permit to the City Clerk at least 15 days in advance of the date of the display.

Sponsor Restrictions
Fireworks displays are only allowed to be sponsored by a City, fair association, amusement park, or other public or private organization. A public organization might be, for example, a County, City, or other public entity. Examples of private organizations might include churches, fraternal organizations (e.g. Eagles, Legion Clubs, Lions, etc.), businesses, companies, lake associations, and private colleges. State law prohibits private individuals from sponsoring fireworks displays. Displays for private parties may be sponsored by a fireworks display company.

Additional Documentation Required. The following attachments must be included with the application:

A diagram of the ground at which the display will be held. The diagram (drawn to scale or with dimensions included) must show the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged; the location of ground pieces; the location of all buildings, highways, streets, communication lines, and other possible overhead obstructions; and the lines behind which the audience will be restrained.
Proof of a bond or certificate of insurance – a bond or certificate of insurance for the payment of damages which could be caused either to persons or property as a result of the display and arising from acts of the sponsor or the pyrotechnic operator or their agents, employees, or subcontractors.
Names and ages of all assistants who will be participating in the display.

Indoor Fireworks Display Permits

Minnesota Statutes 624.22, Subd 1 (2) (d) requires the operator of a facility to make an application for an indoor fireworks display permit to the State Fire Marshal at least 15 days in advance of the date of any performance, show, or event which will include the discharge of fireworks inside a building or structure. It also permits the State Fire Marshal to delegate that authority to local fire chiefs.

Resources

Questions regarding fireworks- contact the fire department at (763) 549-3600.
Fireworks Fact Sheet - Available at the State Fire Marshal Division website at Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office

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