The Mechanicsburg Police Department would like to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, it is our hope everyone is able to spend this time reflecting and celebrating with friends and family. The police department desires everyone to do so safely and responsibly.
With these thoughts in mind we would also like to educate and remind everyone of the laws concerning fireworks in Pennsylvania.
— Consumers can legally purchase “Class C” or “consumer grade” fireworks. They can only contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. Anything above 50 milligrams is still considered illegal to be set off unless certain stipulations are met. This includes being a professional with a permit from the municipality to do so.
— Fireworks CANNOT be discharged from, within or towards a motor vehicle or building.
— Fireworks CANNOT be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure. An occupied structure is a structure, vehicle or place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or for carrying on business therein. A person does NOT have to be present in the structure at the time.
— Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug. The individual CANNOT be under the influence of ANY alcohol.
— Fireworks CANNOT be discharged without the expressed permission of the property owner, whether it is public or private property.
— Based upon the law and distances from structures, there are little to no areas in the Borough of Mechanicsburg where discharging fireworks would be legal.
— Please also keep in mind the safety of not only those in attendance of your gathering, but also keep in mind the safety of your neighbors and animals who surround you.
It is not the goal of the police department to damper celebrations this weekend. It is our hope we can also celebrate our nation’s independence with our own friends and families. The police department will be responding to violations and enforcing the law as it is written. Please keep this in mind for this weekend. Most importantly stay safe and be responsible!!