Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Zone 1

Citizen Alert

Fireworks

In a cooperative effort between the City’s Fire, Police, and Building Inspection Bureaus (BBI), the “Fireworks Taskforce,” created last Independence Day, will return with might to City neighborhoods, combating an abundance of calls related to the use of illegal fireworks, and citing residents who possess the hazardous explosives.

With the exception of novelties, fireworks within City limits are illegal.

Novelties include consumer grade fireworks which are usually ground or hand -held sparklers and contain less than an average of .25 grains of explosive content. All others fall under the commercial grade and can not be bought, sold or discharged without a permit.

The fine is a misdemeanor under state statute and can be penalized at $1,000, plus court costs, for confiscated fireworks and 30 days in jail for the possession, sale or use of fireworks.

This year, two person teams, consisting of one police officer and one fire prevention officer, will patrol City neighborhoods starting on June 27 and continuing beyond Fourth of July. Last year, arson squads worked single-handedly from July 3-5. Officers issued 19 citations, made four physical arrests, and issued more than $15,000 in fines for the illegal use of fireworks.

Residents are encouraged to view the following fireworks displays:

July 3rd – Waterfront Mall and Glen Hazel
July 4th – Point State Park
July 5th – Lawrenceville

For more information, please contact the Mayor’s 311 Response Line.