Fireworks in Pennsylvania: Public menace or family fun?

For decades, backyard fireworks enthusiasts in Western Pennsylvania had two choices: trek across state lines to purchase fancy pyrotechnics or settle for some sparklers in Pennsylvania.

Rob Kuhns of Hempfield spends around $500 a year on fireworks for the Fourth of July and would cross the border to Ohio every year before a 2017 change in state law that legalized consumer fireworks for purchase and use by adult Pennsylvania residents.

Kuhns, who likes the fireworks that “go up and make a big boom at the end,” has never had a fireworks-related accident.

“If you’re careful (with fireworks), it’s fine,” he said.

Consumer fireworks contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material — about the size of half an aspirin tablet. Most were illegal in Pennsylvania since the Fireworks Act of 1939 was enacted. State law was changed in 2017 in an attempt by lawmakers to recoup revenue being lost to nearby states, where vendors were legally allowed to sell to Pennsylvania residents.

With a tax of 12%, gross fireworks tax collection has brought in $57.5 million of revenue from 2017 to 2023, said Jeffrey Johnson, communications director for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Those collections are in addition to revenue generated on fireworks sales from the statewide 6% sales tax (and additional 1% local sales tax in Allegheny County), for a total sales tax of 18% or 19%. Of the revenue generated solely from the fireworks tax, up to $2 million was transferred annually to benefit emergency medical services and volunteer firefighters — the same agencies called upon to deal with fireworks-related incidents.

Enforcement issue

Although fireworks enthusiasts celebrated the change in Pennsylvania law, others have voiced concern about distance enforcement issues and the effect on animals, pets in particular.

Amy Sturges, deputy executive director for advocacy at the Pennsylvania Municipal League, said one of the most consistent problems is people setting off fireworks within 150 feet of a building, which violates state law.

Jeannette fire Chief William Frye said he normally sees one fireworks-related building fire a year — often related to improper disposal and a failure to follow the proper guidelines for distance from structures.

“Basically people setting fireworks off in Jeannette almost always are not within the proper state guidelines,” Frye said. “The problem is that nobody at the state level thought of this (in 2017).”

He added that it’s difficult for the city police department to enforce the distance law because of the widespread use of fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Impact on pets

Others lament the noise and potential danger to pets that fireworks bring.

Eloise Milligan of Export has a special Fourth of July plan for taking care of her seven dogs and three cats when the booms begin.

Even though she lives in a remote area near the woods, her dogs are affected by fireworks displays from nearby Murrysville and Greensburg.

“Dogs can hear these fireworks from no matter how far away you are,” she said.

Milligan plans to cut short her vacation in Washington, D.C., in order to take care of her pets this July Fourth.

“I can’t leave them alone with the pet sitter. They’ll go bonkers,” she said.

From cowering under the couch to whimpering, her dogs respond negatively to the sounds and burning smell of fireworks. It often takes Milligan’s dogs an hour after fireworks end to feel better, she said.

“They’re hiding behind the couch, they’re hiding under blankets, they’re hiding on our laps,” she said. “Anything to soothe themselves.”

She believes firework laws in Pennsylvania should be more mindful of animals.

“They all respond to fireworks differently, whether a dog, a cat or a donkey,” she said. “It’s not something they enjoy.”

Danielle Vought of Vought Veterinary Services in Derry emphasized the importance of knowing your pets and planning ahead.

“If you know your pets are sensitive to loud sounds, discuss with your vet who can prescribe daily medication throughout the holiday season,” she said.

Vought has seen symptoms of anxiety and trauma in animals as a result of fireworks, as well as pancreatitis.

“Yes, stress can cause colitis and other GI issues,” she said.

She added that it’s important to be a courteous neighbor.

“Alert the neighbors and farm owners about firework use,” she said. “Maybe adjust where you choose to partake in this activity considering your surroundings.”

Michele Frennier, director of marketing for the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, recommends animal owners take extra precautions before the Independence Day celebrations. Creating safe spaces is a great way to calm pets during fireworks, she said.

“Maybe there’s a room in your house where you might put on calming music,” she said. “Be sure to pull the blinds because the sight of fireworks may be frightening for animals.”

The rescue operation experiences an increase in the number of strays over the Fourth of July weekend, as animals jump fences or slip out of the house during firework displays with the hope of finding safety.

“Be sure to have a collar with a license, and we always hope the animals are microchipped so the shelter, the police, or the vets can scan for that,” she said.