The story has been the same each of the last seven years.

As the hot and muggy weather of July approaches, the night sky begins to become illuminated with loud bursts of color. The flashes and bangs tend to hit their crescendo on the Fourth of July, as revelers celebrate America’s birthday with explosions.

And those blasts have been made possible by a change in state law. In 2017, the Legislature passed new regulations that greatly expanded the sale of fireworks in Pennsylvania.

That means more and more people across the state have been putting on their own aerial displays, which has led to a flood of complaints from residents and busy nights for first responders.

“When we saw fireworks made legal, we saw a drastic increase in calls,” said Lt. Nick Epolito, Reading Police bomb squad commander.

Fireworks have caused countless injuries to those setting them off and bystanders and ignited thousands of fires.

Illegal fireworks trace across the skies of Reading on the Fourth of July last year looking north from Neversink Mountain. (BILL UHRICH – READING EAGLE)

Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Ethan Brownback said that each year thousands of Americans are injured in fireworks-related incidents, with half of those injuries being facial burns. And nationally each year fireworks start more than 20,000 fires that cause around $105 million in property damage.

The concerns about the dangers of fireworks led the Legislature to adjust the loosened regulations on them, with new restrictions going into effect last year. And law enforcement will be out in full force this week making sure they’re followed.

“We will definitely be out there hitting it hard with the new laws,” Brownback said. “We will be out strictly enforcing them. Our message is very clear: Fireworks are not toys.

“We want people to understand the risks and how to properly handle fireworks and to encourage users to be courteous to their neighbors, pets, the community and military veterans.”

Reading Fire Department Chief James Stoudt Jr. said users who don’t follow the state’s rules on fireworks stand to cause all sorts of dangerous problems. He said the city has seen buildings burn down because of fireworks — including a half-dozen row homes in an incident in 1998 — and others, like Amanda Stout Elementary School in 2019, sustain significant damage.

Epolito pointed out that with the state’s newest restrictions there is no place in the city where fireworks can legally be set off.

“So, save your money and don’t buy them,” he said.

Stoudt shared a similar sentiment.

“You see these displays going off and the amount of money people are spending on it to set something on fire that lasts one minute, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “If you want to enjoy fireworks, the Fightin Phils are in town, they always put on a great show. There are plenty of places to see professional, safe displays.”

Of course, the advice from Epolito and Stoudt likely won’t be followed by everyone. So if you are planning on setting of fireworks this holiday here’s what you need to know about doing it legally and safely.

What kind of fireworks can you purchase and use?

According to state police, residents may purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks. These include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar items that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.

Products that contain more than 2 grains or 130 milligrams of explosive material and aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions are only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.

Who can purchase fireworks?

Consumer-grade fireworks may only be purchased, possessed and used by those who are over the age of 18. The law states that ground and handheld sparkling devices and novelties such as snakes, poppers and snaps are not included in consumer fireworks.

Where can fireworks be purchased?

Consumers may purchase consumer-grade fireworks from brick-and-mortar locations that are licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Consumer fireworks may also be purchased online, but delivery of consumer fireworks to a purchaser shall take place at a licensed, permanent structure.

What are the restrictions on their use?

The following restrictions are in place regarding consumer-grade fireworks:

• They cannot be ignited or discharged on either public or private property without permission of the property owner.

• They cannot be directed at another person, building or vehicle.

• They cannot be discharged or ignited within 150 feet of an occupied building or vehicle regardless if either is owned by the user of the fireworks.

• They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Those who plan to set off fireworks will have to give nearby livestock owners or managers 72 hours notice before fireworks can be used near an animal housing facility.

What restrictions can municipalities impose on fireworks?

State police say municipalities may restrict the use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except on July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31, when they may be used until 1 a.m.

If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday.

Check with municipalities, as there may be local ordinances that apply.

Who enforces state fireworks law?

Any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction may make an arrest and confiscate illegal fireworks.

What is the penalty for violating a state fireworks law?

The Pennsylvania Fireworks Law of 2022 states:

• A person using consumer-grade fireworks in violation of the law commits a summary offense and will be punished with a fine of not more than $500. If an offense is committed within three years of a prior conviction, it will be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.

• A person selling consumer-grade fireworks in violation of the law commits a second-degree misdemeanor and will be punished with a fine of not less than $10,000. If an offense is committed within three years of a prior conviction, it will be punishable by a fine of not less than $15,000 and their license will be revoked.

• A person selling or using display fireworks in violation of the law commits a third-degree felony and will be punished by a fine of not less than $10,000. If an offense is committed within three years of a prior conviction, it will be punishable by a fine of not less than $15,000.

Tips for staying safe

Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook recommends the following safety precautions:

• Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of at least 1,200 degrees.

• Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.

• Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.

• After the fireworks have burned, fully douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.

• Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol or other substances that can impair judgment or the ability to react quickly to an emergency.

• Whether attending a professional display or using consumer fireworks, maintain a safe distance from the ignition location.

• Be sensitive of neighbors and their pets, particularly if military veterans live nearby.