Fire Marshal: July 4 Fireworks Safety Tips

The following is from Hopatcong Fire Marshal Richard Cook.

As the Independence Day holiday approaches I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals.

In New Jersey, absolutely no common (class C) or greater fireworks, including sparklers, are legal to buy, sell, or possess by individuals without a proper license. Smoke grenades, toy propellants, snaps & pops, firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets etc. are all illegal in this state.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day and ½ of those are caused by fireworks.

Last year in New Jersey 12 people were hospitalized with fireworks related injuries. Others may have been treated by private physicians or out of state.

Those who sell fireworks or offer to sell fireworks, are committing a crime of the fourth degree and as stipulated in the Fireworks Laws, are subject to a fine of $7,500 and or a jail sentence of up to 18 months.

Any person who possesses or discharges fireworks is guilty of a petty disorderly offense and subject to a maximum fine of $500 and/ or a jail sentence of up to 30 days. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) will file s summons in municipal court against any person who sells, offers, or exposes for sale, or possesses with intent sell, any fireworks.

The New Jersey Fire Code allows for issuance of a $500.00 penalty and the immediate confiscation of any illegal fireworks.

Have fun, be safe, enjoy the 4th but don’t wind up in the hospital because of fireworks.

It’s just not worth it.  

Richard Cook
Chief Fire Prevention
Borough of Hopatcong
111 River Styx Road
Hopatcong, New Jersey 07843
973-770-1200 ext 116