Fireworks Ordinance & Safety Tips

Celebrate safely!

Fireworks are often used to mark special occasions but they can pose a significant safety hazard when used irresponsibly. To keep you informed, we have provided the following information regarding our city ordinance, along with general fireworks safety tips.

Pittsburg Fireworks Ordinance

Only Class “C” (common) fireworks are permitted to be discharged within the city limits without a Special Events Permit. Class C fireworks are not permitted to be discharged except for the days they are allowed for retail sales. These dates are from June 27 to July 5. During this period they shall not be discharged from the hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. On July 4, it is lawful for them to be used from 7:00 am until 12:00 am (midnight) of July 5.

It is illegal to discharge or ignite fireworks in these circumstances:

• Within 1000 ft. of a hospital
• Under or on cars and other vehicles
• Within 50 ft. of a location where fireworks are sold
• Within 100 ft. from any gas pump, filling station or bulk fuel storage facility

The discharge and use of fireworks are not permitted on public roadways, parks or any other public property without a Special Events Permit. It is also illegal to throw, cast or otherwise propel a pyrotechnic device in the direction or path of any person or group, or from or in the direction of any car or vehicle. For details on the City’s fireworks ordinance, see the City of Pittsburg municipal codes page.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Follow these steps to prevent your risk of injury. 

• Purchase high-quality fireworks from reliable and legitimate sources
• Read and follow all label directions
• Make sure an adult supervises all fireworks activities
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Ignite fireworks outdoors
• Keep fireworks away from small children
• Make sure anyone handling fireworks and bystanders wear protective eyewear
• Ignite fireworks on flat, hard, level surfaces only (not on the grass)
• Light fireworks one at a time and move away quickly
• Have a garden hose or water source nearby
• Soak discarded fireworks in water before disposing in the trash
• Leave the lighting of professional-grade fireworks to trained pyrotechnicians
• Come to the City’s annual fireworks display and leave the hard work to the professionals

Avoid these common mistakes that can increase your risk of injury.

• Don’t smoke when handling fireworks
• Don’t use fireworks in dry and windy conditions
• Don’t use fireworks around pets or farm animals
• Don’t re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Don’t use fireworks around pets or farm animals
• Don’t experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Don’t throw fireworks at another person
• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket
• Don’t shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Don’t handle fireworks under the influence of alcohol or other drugs