(WJET/WFXP)– Independence Day weekend is nearly upon us once again and that means fireworks will be going off all over Erie County in celebration.

Before making a boom of your own to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, we put together a list of different local and state laws surrounding fireworks to keep in mind.

 Why fireworks cannot be used in the City of Erie by residents 

Who Can Set Them Off and Where?

Under Pennsylvania law, anyone age 18 or older can purchase consumer-grade (C-Grade) fireworks like Roman candles, bottle rockets and other fireworks that have up to 50 milligrams of explosive materials in them.

C-grade fireworks, however, do not include ground and hand-held fireworks, including novelties and toy caps that can be used at all times in the Commonwealth.

As for where they can be set off, PA law states they can’t be set off on public or private property without permission from the owner and must be at least 150 feet away from any buildings and vehicles. This also includes streets, parking lots, sidewalks or parks.

Millcreek Township released a map showing where fireworks can and cannot be set off in the township, with prohibited areas marked in the red checker pattern and prohibited properties highlighted in pink.

Millcreek police added that violating these laws can result in summary charges and a fine of up to $500.

 LIST: 2026 Fourth of July events, fireworks around Erie in celebration of America250 

How Late Can They Be Set Off?

Normally, fireworks cannot be set off in Erie County or Pennsylvania as a whole after 10 pm; however, that changes for July 2-4. Fireworks can be set off on those days until 1 am the following morning; so fireworks can be set off until 1 am on July 5. The City of Erie and Millcreek Township both have mentioned this law in their reminders leading up to the big weekend.

While it is legal to set them off that late, Millcreek Township officials are reminding anyone setting fireworks off late to be courteous to their neighbors who could have bad memories brought up or disturb small children and pets.

More State Laws

Cannot be directed at another person

Cannot be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle

Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks

Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug

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