For Immediate Release                                                 Media Contact: Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director
                                                                                      American Pyrotechnics Association
                                                                                      (301) 907-8181 
                                                                                      [email protected]

American Pyrotechnics Association Applauds Governor Christie’s Legalization of Consumer Fireworks
          New Jersey Becomes the 48^th State to Allow the Sale and Use of Some Types of Fireworks

Bethesda, MD, June 29, 2017 - With only five days until America celebrates its 241^st birthday, New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie signed a bill to allow the sale and use of some types of consumer fireworks.  Fireworks retailers are moving quickly to help ensure that the Garden State is well supplied for Independence Day celebrations.

Under the law, residents of New Jersey will be able to purchase hand-held and ground-based sparking devices which are non-aerial and non-explosive – meaning a wide variety of cones and fountains will be available, including the popular 500 gram multiple tube cake devices.  Novelty devices such as sparklers, party poppers, snaps, snakes, glow worms and smoke devices are authorized as well.  The minimum age to purchase these products is 16.  The law still prohibits firecrackers, sky rockets and aerial devices.

New Jersey joins eight other states – Kentucky, Utah, New Hampshire, Michigan, New York, Georgia, West Virginia and Iowa in lifting restrictions on the sale and use of some type of consumer fireworks since 2011.  Delaware and Massachusetts are the only states in the nation that continue to maintain long-standing prohibitions on all consumer fireworks federally regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), “with the liberalization of consumer fireworks laws and record-breaking growth in backyard fireworks usage, the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires has dramatically declined,” said Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the APA.  The fireworks-related injury rate is 43% lower than it was in 2000, when the trend in relaxing consumer fireworks laws was first initiated. [1]

Safety Tips

The APA encourage consumers to take the time to plan Independence Day fireworks celebrations by selecting a safe location that is free of debris and has a flat, level surface.  Make certain to read and follow all instructions for use and keep spectators at a safe distance.  The public can learn more about how to celebrate safely this 4^th of July by downloading the following safety tips flier:

http://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/APSEF/apsef-safetyflyer-finalprint.pdf

And by watching this brief animated safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rukcqqXbcM&feature=youtu.be

Have a safe and spectacular 4th of July and remember to #CelebrateSafely!

About the American Pyrotechnics Association

The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, suppliers and professional display fireworks companies. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, state laws and safety tips can be found on APA’s website at http://www.americanpyro.com.

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