Warrington Township Amends Its Fireworks Ordinance

Warrington Township announced that it has amended its fireworks ordinance to restrict fireworks usage to New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Memorial Day and July 4th from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. and New Year’s Eve from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Though fireworks are fun to watch, they are known to cause issues for war veterans and abuse survivors with PTSD; extreme anxiety for companion animals and wildlife; and extensive air, water, and ground pollution, as they propel metal particles and dangerous toxins into the environment.

Since the passage of the law by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2017 that allowed consumers to purchase consumer grade or “Class C” fireworks, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles, more people have been setting them off at times other than the usual holidays. With input from community residents, it became clear that amending the township’s fireworks ordinance was necessary. In addition to the date restrictions, the ordinance states that:

• Fireworks cannot be set off within 150 feet of an occupied structure
• Fireworks cannot be discharged towards a motor vehicle, person or animal
• Fireworks cannot be set off on public or private property without the permission of the property owner
• Fireworks cannot be used by anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol

“We are proud that the resident-initiated efforts have resulted in a new law that will encourage the responsible use of fireworks in Warrington Township, educate the public about ways to use fireworks safely and curb fireworks abuse,” said Ruth L. Schemm, Warrington Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chair.

The ordinance went into effect on October 13, 2020 and the penalty for each violation is $600. For more information visit https://www.warringtontownship.org/2020/11/04/fireworks-law/.

About Warrington Township
Warrington Township is located in central Bucks County, approximately 20 miles north of central Philadelphia. The Township encompasses 13.5 square miles, bordered on the north by New Britain, Warwick, and Doylestown Townships, on the east by Warminster Township, and on the south and west by Montgomery and Horsham Townships.

Warrington Township is an outstanding community in which to live, work, shop, learn, and recreate with many unique opportunities to enhance the quality of life for those who reside, work, or visit. The goal of the township is to responsibly manage community change and protect community character and assets; preserve the natural environment and farmland; improve mobility; provide adequate township services and public facilities efficiently and equitably; and promote the economic and social well-being of the community. The township is committed to protecting the township, improving the quality of life, sustaining its neighborhoods, and serving the health, safety and welfare of its residents and businesses. For more information, visit http://www.warringtontownship.org.