Firework Safety

In Maryland, fireworks safety means buying only from licensed sellers who have the licenses and permits required by the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Know what fireworks are legal.

Follow these safety tips

Be aware

• Use only legal fireworks
• Only use fireworks in approved areas
• Check with your local authorities

Be safe

• Only adults shall light fireworks
• Keep ignition sources away from children
• Use fireworks only outdoors
• Light only one firework at a time and move quickly away from the firework
• Keep children and pets away from fireworks
• Never light fireworks in your hand • never throw fireworks  

Be responsible

• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water
• Clean up debris from fireworks
• Never attempt to re-light a firework that did not go off
• Wait 15-20 minutes if a firework did not go off then soak in a bucket of water

Be prepared

• Store fireworks out of children’s reach
• Always read and follow label directions
• Always have garden hose or buckets of water in the area of where fireworks are being used
• Place pets indoors since the light and sounds frighten them 

Know which fireworks are legal

Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items (party poppers, snap pops, snakes), and non-aerial, non-explosive ground-based sparkling devices are legal for individuals except in certain counties. 

Check with your local county to make sure they’re legal.

Related links

Maryland Fireworks retail locations

Maryland Code Public Safety Article Title 10 - Fireworks and Sparklers - PDF - 998.26 KB 

Approved Ground Based Sparkler Device List

Maryland Sprinkler Regulations 2021 - PDF - 576.26 KB 

Questions?