Fireworks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A fireworks event (also called a fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. The biggest fireworks event in the world is held in Madeira, (Portugal) at the New Years' Eve celebrations, as referred in the Guinness World Records.

Contents 1 History 2 Competitions 2.1 World Pyro Olympics 2.2 HSBC Celebration of Light in Vancouver 2.3 Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition in Catalonia, Spain 2.4 Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 2.5 GlobalFest International Fireworks Competition 2.6 National Pyrotechnics Fair of Tultepec, Mexico 2.7 Firework Champions, UK 3 Major events 3.1 Guy Fawkes Night in Great Britain 3.2 U.S. Independence Day 3.3 New Year's Eve 3.4 Lunar New Year 3.5 Diwali ('Festival of Lights') in India 3.6 Maltese Petards 3.7 PGI Annual Convention 3.8 Halloween 4 Types 4.1 Consumer Fireworks (1.4G, UN0336)* 4.2 Display Fireworks (1.3G, UN0335) or (1.1G, UN0333)* 5 Laws and politics 5.1 Safety of consumer fireworks in USA 5.2 Safety of commercial and display fireworks in Canada 5.3 Pollution 5.4 Laws governing consumer fireworks 5.4.1 United States 5.4.2 Other countries 6 References 7 Further reading 8 External links

[edit] History

Historically, the first fireworks were developed in far eastern countries, notably India or China, for display at religious festivals. ^[1]

Historian H.M. Elliot's note On the Early Use of Gunpowder in India, published in 1875 , deals with the use of gunpowder in ancient India. This report suggests that sulphate, the principle ingredient of gunpowder, was present in the explosives used in the fiery devices mentioned in the Ramayana and Bhagvad Gita. The subject of gunpowder in ancient India was also studied by Professor Wilson, director of the Royal Asiatic Society at Calcutta.^[2]

The Professor Wilson observed that:-

The question as to the knowledge of gunpowder or any similar explosive substance, by the ancient poeple of India is one of great historical interest. It is clear from their medical works that they were aquainted with the constituents of gunpowder and possesed them in great abundance. Their writings make frequent references to arms of fire and rockets -- which appear to be an Indian invention, though not mentioned by name in Sanskrit writings.^[2]

Fireworks were used in China as early as 206 BC–AD 220, and produced a loud sound (known in Chinese as Bian pao) that was intended to frighten evil spirits. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 420–581) the firecrackers were used not only to dispel evil but also to pray for happiness and prosperity.

Taoist monks played with the bwasic components of gunpowder to create fireworks in their spare time. Eventually, the art and science of firework making developed into an independent profession of its own. In ancient China, pyrotechnicians (firework-masters) were well-respected for their knowledge and skill to mount dazzling displays of light and sound.

Some scholars say fireworks were developed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907), but others argue there were no fireworks until the Northern Song Dynasty (10th century).

Amédée-François Frézier published a "Treatise on Fireworks" in 1706. In this treatise, Frézier studied the recreational and ceremonial uses of fireworks, rather than their military uses. The book became a standard text for fireworks makers.

Music for the Royal Fireworks was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749 to celebrate the peace of Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which had been declared the previous year.

America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States. Fireworks and black powder were used to celebrate important events long before the American Revolutionary War. The very first celebration of Independence Day was in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of those festivities. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also accompanied by a fireworks display. This early fascination with their noise and color continues today.

In 2004, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, started using aerial fireworks launched with compressed air rather than gunpowder, the first time that such a launch system was used commercially. The display shell explodes in the air using an electronic timer. The advantages of compressed air launch are a reduction in fumes, and much greater accuracy in height and timing.^[3]

The largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world is China. China is estimated to have exported over 6 million cases or 120,000 tons of fireworks to the US in 2005.

[edit] Competitions

[edit] World Pyro Olympics

The World Pyro Olympics is an annual competition amongst the most prestigious fireworks companies in the world. The event is the largest and most intense international fireworks competition.

The World Pyro Olympics runs through a period of five consecutive days allowing locals and tourists alike to experience the greatest fireworks display in the world. Two countries fire each day; the last participant fires on the final evening of the event.

The host of the event does not participate in the competition but performs a fireworks display on the last night. Awards, such as the People’s Choice, are given out after the exhibition. The crowning of the World Pyro Olympics Champion ends the event.

[edit] HSBC Celebration of Light in Vancouver

The HSBC Celebration of Light is an annual musical fireworks competition held every summer over English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Four companies representing their country perform a twenty-five minute firework display set to music with a grand finale on the last day where all four competitors perform. Typically the last Wednesday and Saturday of July, and the first Wednesday and Saturday of August; the competition is cited as being the largest musical fireworks competition in the world.

[edit] Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition in Catalonia, Spain

The Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition, a fireworks contest in the Mediterranean area, is held every first week of July in Tarragona (Spain), in a wonderful bay -Punta del Miracle-, a place praised by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The competition selects six international pyrotechnic companies every year. [1] [2]

[edit] Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

Held over 5 weeks during September with 2 displays on the same night weekly, with the final night held on China National Day on 1st October. The competition features 10 pyrotechnic companies from around the world. [3]

[edit] GlobalFest International Fireworks Competition

GlobalFest has been held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada every August since 2003 featuring cultural pavilions, film festival and international fireworks competition. The international fireworks competition features a different nation each night of the five night competition with live performances on-stage showcasing the culture of that country prior to the fireworks display.

[edit] National Pyrotechnics Fair of Tultepec, Mexico

Every year this town, known as "Mexico's Capital of Pyrotechnics," hosts a week-long pyrotechnics fair that features the spectacular "Castillos de Torre" or Tower Fireworks Competition. This type of fireworks is what makes Mexican pyrotechnics unique in the world. Since 2005, a very impressive Pyromusical Competition has been held involving up to 7 fireworks shows lasting 10 minutes each. These events are not open to international competition yet but in time that could change.

In addition to the competition fireworks, just about every day different types of fireworks (including day-time tower fireworks) are burned as part of the religious festivities. For those that want a taste of a more exciting and extreme fireworks festivity, nothing else in the world compares to the Burning of the Bulls,which is always held on March 8 in celebration of John of God, the patron saint of Tultepec's pyrotechnicians. For more details on dates and events, check The Fireworks Channel.

[edit] Firework Champions, UK

Four of the UK's best firework companies competing against each other with a 10 minute firework display choreographed to music. The 2007 event is at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, Saturday 4th August.[4]

[edit] Major events

[edit] Guy Fawkes Night in Great Britain

In 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the Parliament of the United Kingdom with 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars of Westminster Hall. On 5 November, Fawkes was arrested and Parliament was saved. That night is now celebrated as Guy Fawkes Night or bonfire night by filling the sky with exploding fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.

Remember, remember the fifth of November.

Gunpowder, treason, and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

– a children's rhyme about the events, still spoken today

The town of Lewes is famous for its annual Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. Local groups, 'bonfire societies' conduct torch-lit marches around the town, vying with each other for the best fancy-dress outfits and topical celebrity figures that are later burnt. Examples of recent figures include the Pope, Margaret Thatcher, George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden.

The largest and probably the most impressive annual fireworks display in the UK (and indeed Europe) is however held not in November, but in early September in Edinburgh. Since 1981 the world's largest arts festival has ended each year with a combination of live open air orchestral pieces (performed in the Ross Band Stand, Princes Street Gardens) whilst a panoply of fireworks are launched from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle immediately behind. The natural ampitheatre which the Princes Street area provides creates a perfect setting for enjoying the music and fireworks.

Along the same lines, in Canada, during Victoria Day and Canada Day, many fireworks displays are seen throughout.

[edit] U.S. Independence Day

Each year before the American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, retailers across the nation experience a surge in fireworks sales. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Independence Day is commonly associated with parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history and traditions of the U.S. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.

In many states, consumer fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Concerns about safety have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed, but illicit traffic from less restrictive border states is common.

Some of the most famous fireworks displays include Macy's - 4th of July Fireworks in New York. There are also many other spectacular displays in St. Louis, Washington D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario host one of the largest fireworks displays in the world over the Detroit River each year in celebration of both American Independence Day and Canada Day during the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival.

[edit] New Year's Eve

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Major cities around the world host a spectacular firework display on New Year's Eve. Although it is now just a custom to fire off fireworks on New-Year's eve, in the past the idea was to scare 'bad forces' so they would not enter the new year. As a consequence the most popular fireworks are still those that go off with a big bang or with a bright flash.

In Western Europe the sale of fireworks to the general public is usually restricted to a week before New Year's Eve. However this does not stop people buying a large volume of fireworks in the weeks preceding New Years Eve to be picked up during the selling days. The retailing of fireworks in Europe is very different from the US, due to powder weigh limits stored in each building. In many countries around the world, people blow up many tons of fireworks every New Year's Eve.

[edit] Lunar New Year

Since the early invention of gunpowder in China, the launching of fireworks and other pyrotechnics has become synomynous with the Lunar New Year festivities. Today, lavish fireworks displays are held at many Chinese cities, including in Hong Kong, where an annual display has been held in the Victoria Harbour on the second day of the first moon in the Chinese calendar since 1982. In Singapore, displays are usually decentralised over several locations, particularly above Chinatown, and a larger-scale one at Marina Bay at the strike of midnight on the first lunar New Year's Day.

[edit] Diwali ('Festival of Lights') in India

Diwali is the most popular festival of India, which broadly celebrates the triumph of good over evil primarily symbolized in the mythological epic of Ramayana in which the Hindu God Rama defeats his demonic adversary Ravana. Customary traditions include offering prayers to the Gods in the morning and exchanging sweets with friends and neighbors. During the night the houses are adorned with small lit oil lamps and colorful lights and then the entire family participates in the display of fireworks.

Unlike Western nations, retail of fireworks is largely unrestricted in India. People have access to a variety of fireworks and most of them in urban areas set it off on the public roads running in front of their houses. In smaller towns, the large temples of the town typically have public fireworks displays. Deepavali brings the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood and is celebrated across all religions in India.some popular fireworks include the famous 'phoolthari' or 'sparkler' which is commonly used in lighting most other fireworks. The 'Anaar' or 'Flowerpedal' displays as a large mountain of fire when lit. The 'Zameen Chakra' is a spinning circle of fire with sparks emitting from it. The 'rocket' is popular but dangerous, as it can change it's course and fly into buildings. Bombs like 'Chilli Bombs' and 'Laxmi bombs' are becoming popular, but are sometimes disturbing due to their high intensity.

[edit] Maltese Petards

In Malta, local patron saints' holidays are usually celebrated with spectacular fireworks and bombs called petards or murtali in Maltese. Petardry is a popular hobby and a traditional skill in Malta, and Maltese fireworks are usually homemade. Manufacture is often high-risk, but the final results are extravagant. In the opinion of many fireworks artists, Malta is one of the best places in the world for the manufacture of fireworks. The 'Malta International Fireworks Festival', held annually at the end of April in the Valletta Grand Harbour, is a fireworks competition open to all pyrotechnic manufacturers of the world. In 2003 the event began as just a festival to showcase Maltese talent, but in 2006 the committee decided to retool it into a competition open to manufacturers worldwide. The first of these international fireworks competitions was contended by two foreign groups and three Maltese groups. The title was won by the St. Mary Fireworks Factory, of Mqabba, which won five of the seven honours. The other two honours, were also won by a Maltese competitor. In fact, the Saint Michael's Fireworks of Lija won the 'best shells' and 'best colours' categories. The great extent of Maltese talent, however, is most evident during summer and spring, during which many cities and villages celebrate the feasts of their patron saints and local artists produce their best fireworks. The Maltese take pride in their renown as one of the foremost in the pyrotechnic industry.

[edit] PGI Annual Convention

The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. or PGI, founded in 1969, is an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. It is notable for its large number of members, around 3,500 in total. The PGI exists solely to further the safe usage and enjoyment of both professional grade and consumer grade fireworks while both advancing the art and craft of pyrotechny and preserving its historical aspects. Each August the PGI conducts its annual week-long convention, where some the world's biggest and best fireworks displays occur. Vendors, competitors, and club members come from around the USA and from various parts of the globe to enjoy the show and to help out at this all-volunteer event. Aside from the nightly firework shows, the competition is a highlight of the convention. This is a completely unique event where individual classes of hand-built fireworks are competitively judged, ranging from simple fireworks rockets to extremely large and comlpex aerial shells. Some of the biggest, best, most intricate fireworks displays in the United States take place during the convention week.

Amateur and professional members can come to the convention to purchase fireworks, paper goods, novelty items, non-explosive chemical components and much more at the PGI trade show. Before the nightly fireworks displays and competitions, club members have a chance to enjoy open shooting of any and all legal consumer or professional grade fireworks, as well as testing and display of hand-built fireworks. The 'superstring', consisting of firecrackers numbering somewhere in the millions, as well as the 'megastring' are displayed as well. The week ends with the Grand Public Display on Friday night, which gives the chosen display company a chance to strut their stuff in front of some of the world's biggest fireworks aficionados. The stakes are high and much planning is put into the show. In 1994 a shell of 36 inches in diameter was fired during the convention, more than twice as large as the largest shell usually seen in the USA, and shells as large as 24 inches are frequently fired.

[edit] Halloween

In Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), during the Halloween season, there are many spectacular fireworks displays. The largest are in Derry and Dublin. The sale of fireworks is restricted in the Republic of Ireland, though many illegal fireworks are sold throughout October or smuggled over the Northern Ireland border. There is a €10,000 fine for possessing them, or a five year prison sentence.

Both fireworks and firecrackers are a popular tradition during Halloween in Vancouver, although apparently this is not the custom elsewhere in Canada.

[edit] Types

Popular types of fireworks are listed below. There are two general categories of fireworks commonly sold in the United States today, and are listed below.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as well as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have general jurisdiction over what types of fireworks may be legally sold in the United States. The federal law is only the minimum standard however, and each state is free to enact laws that are more stringent if they so choose. Citing concerns over fireworks safety, some states, such as California, have enacted legislation restricting fireworks usage to devices that do not leave the ground, such as fountains, while states such as New York , Massachusetts and Delaware ban all consumer fireworks completely. On the other hand, states such as South Carolina allow most or all legal consumer fireworks to be sold and used throughout the year.

Differences in legislation among states have led many fireworks dealers to set up shop along state borders in order to attract customers from neighboring states where fireworks are restricted. Some Native American tribes on reservation lands show similar behavior, often selling fireworks that are not legal for sale outside of the reservation.

The type of fireworks sold in the United States vary widely, from fireworks which are legal under federal law, all the way to illegal explosive devices/professional fireworks that are sold on the black market. Both the illicit manufacture and diversion of illegal explosives to the consumer market have become a growing problem in recent years. The types of fireworks sold at retail stands and stores include, but are not limited to:

[edit] Consumer Fireworks (1.4G, UN0336)*

• reloadable aerial shells 1.75" or less sold in a box with not more than 12 shells and one launching tube
• single-shot aerial tubes
• bottle rockets
• skyrockets and missiles
• ground spinners, pinwheels and helicopters
• flares & fountains
• roman candles
• smoke and novelty items
• multi-shot aerial devices, or "cakes"
• Firecracker packs (see this link for various brand/label images)
• sparklers
• snakes and strobes
• mines

[edit] Display Fireworks (1.3G, UN0335) or (1.1G, UN0333)*

The following devices are for professional use and only available with a ATF license/permit:

• any ground salute device with over 50 milligrams of explosive composition
• torpedoes (except for railroad signaling use)
• multi-tube devices containing over 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition and without 1/2" space between each tube
• any multiple tube fountains with over 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition and without 1/2" space between each tube
• any reloadable aerial shells over 1.75" diameter
• display shells
• any single-shot or reloadable aerial shell/mine/comet/tube with over 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition
• any Roman candle or rocket with over 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition
• any aerial salute with over 130 milligrams of explosive composition

NOTE: * US Department of Transportation (DOT) classifications

Legality Note: Current federal law states that (without appropriate ATF license/permit) the possession or sale of any display/professional fireworks is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Although some large firecraker items may be called "M-80's", "M-1000's", "Cherry bombs" or "Silver Salutes" by the manufacturer, they must contain less than 50-milligrams of flash or other explosive powder in order to be legally sold to consumers in the United States.

[edit] Laws and politics

[edit] Safety of consumer fireworks in USA

Availability and use of consumer fireworks are hotly debated topics. Critics and safety advocates point to the numerous injuries and accidental fires that are attributed to fireworks as justification for banning or at least severely restricting access to fireworks. Complaints about excessive noise created by fireworks and the large amounts of debris and fallout left over after shooting are also used to support this position. There are numerous incidents of consumer fireworks being used in a manner that is supposedly disrespectful of the communities and neighborhoods where the users live.

Meanwhile, those who support more liberal firework laws look at the same statistics as the critics and conclude that, when used properly, consumer fireworks are a safer form of recreation than riding bicycles or playing soccer^[4].

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has guidelines concerning the standard of consumer fireworks sold in the US. Together with US Customs, they are very proactive in enforcing these rules, intercepting imported fireworks that don't comply and issuing recalls on unacceptable consumer fireworks that are found to have "slipped through". Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency that regulates explosives, including Display Fireworks in the US.

Many states in the United States have laws which further restrict access to and use of consumer fireworks, and some of these states vigorously enforce them. Each year, there are many raids on individuals suspected of having "illegal" fireworks.

In 1998, a non-profit organisation called AFSL American Fireworks Safety Laboratory was established to develop a voluntary fireworks standard for the US to which members would adhere.

[edit] Safety of commercial and display fireworks in Canada

Fireworks safety is considered to be extremely important in Canada. The use, storage and sale of commercial-grade fireworks in Canada is licensed by Natural Resources Canada's Explosive Regulatory Division (ERD). Unlike their consumer counterpart, commercial-grade fireworks function differently, and come in a wide range of sizes from 2 inches up to 12 or more inches in diameter. As well, since commercial-grade fireworks are a shell which is loaded into separate a mortar by hand, great care must be taken during all stages of setup.^[5]

Setup of these fireworks involves the placement and securing of mortars on wooden or wire racks; loading of the shells; and if electronically firing, wiring and testing. The mortars are generally made of FRE (Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethelene), some older mortars are made of Sheet Steel, but have been banned by most countries due to the problem of shrapnel produced during a misfire. Setup of mortars in Canada require that a minimum angle of 10 to 15 degrees down-range with a safety distance of at least 200 meters down-range and 100 meters surrounding the mortars.

Loading of shells is a delicate process, and must be done with caution, and a loader must ensure not only the mortar is clean, but also make sure that no part of their body is directly over the mortar in case of a premature fire. Wiring the shells is a painstaking process; whether the shells are being fired manually or electronically, any "chain fusing" or wiring of electrical ignitors, care must be taken to prevent the fuse (an electrical match, often incorrectly called a squib) from igniting. If the setup is wired electrically, the electrical matches are usually plugged into a "firing rail" or "breakout box" which runs back to the main firing board; from there, the Firing Board is simply hooked up to a car battery, and can proceed with firing the show when ready.

Since commercial-grade fireworks are so much larger and more powerful, setup and firing crews are always under great pressure to ensure they safely set up, fire and clean up after a show.

[edit] Pollution

Fireworks produce smoke and dust that contain heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds and other toxic chemicals. These by-products of fireworks combustion will vary depending on the mix of ingredients of a particular firework. (Green color, for instance, is produced by adding barium, a toxic metal albeit one that does not accumulate in the body.) These variables include the amount of gunpowder used, type of oxidizer, colors produced, and launch method.

Pollutants from fireworks raise concerns because of potential health risks associated with hazardous by-products. For most people the effects of exposure to low levels of toxins from many sources over long periods are unknown. For persons with asthma or multiple chemical sensitivity the smoke from fireworks may aggravate existing health problems. Environmental pollution is also a concern because heavy metals and other chemicals from fireworks can contaminate water supplies and because fireworks combustion gases might contribute to such things as acid rain which can cause vegetation and even property damage. However, gunpowder smoke and the solid residues are basic, and as such the net effect of fireworks on acid rain is debatable. What is not undisputed is that most consumer fireworks leave behind a considerable amount of solid debris, including both readily biodegradable components as well as nondegradable plastic items. Concerns over pollution, consumer safety, and debris have restricted the sale and use of consumer fireworks in many countries. Professional displays, on the other hand, remain popular around the world.

Fireworks supporters in contrast argue that alleged concern over pollution from fireworks constitutes a red herring, since the amount of contamination from fireworks is minuscule in comparison to emissions from sources such as the burning of fossil fuels. In the US some states and local governments restrict the use of fireworks in accordance with the Clean Air Act which allows laws relating to the prevention and control of outdoor air pollution to be enacted. Few governmental entities, by contrast, effectively limit pollution from burning fossil fuels such as diesel fuel or coal. Coal fueled electricity generation alone is a much greater source of heavy metal contamination in the environment than fireworks.

[edit] Laws governing consumer fireworks

[edit] United States

In the United States, the laws governing consumer fireworks vary widely from state to state and even from county to county and munciciaplity to municipality. Many jurisdictions limit sales to seasons and others limit both sales and use to seasons.

Fireworks can only be sold to people over the age of 18; it is illegal to sell fireworks to any minor in any state.

Five states (Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) ban the sale and use of all consumer fireworks including novelties and sparklers by the general public.

One state (Arizona) permits residents to purchase and use only novelties.

Five states (Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio and Vermont) permit residents to purchase and use only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelties.

Nineteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) allow residents to purchase and use non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks like novelties, fountains and sparklers.

For example: California has very specific requirements for the types of consumer fireworks that can be sold to and used by residents. Even then each city can and often does place restrictions on sale and use. In Minnesota only consumer fireworks that do not explode or fly through the air are now permitted to be sold to and used by residents. In Nebraska the sale and use of all consumer fireworks are prohibited in Omaha, while in Lincoln there is a two day selling period and in other parts of the state all of the permitted types can be sold and used by residents.

Nineteen states Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming permit the sale of all or most types of consumer fireworks to residents. Many of these states have selling seasons around the 4th of July and/or Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some of these states also allow local laws or regulations to further restrict the types permitted or the selling seasons.

For example: Missouri permits all types of consumer fireworks to be sold to residents with two selling seasons; June 20-July 10 and December 20-January 2. South Carolina permits all types of consumer fireworks except small rockets less than ½” in diameter and 3” long to be sold and used by residents year round.

Two states (Hawaii and Nevada) allow each county to establish their own regulations.

For example, Clark County where Las Vegas is located allows residents to purchase and use only non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks during the 4th of July, while other counties permit all types of consumer fireworks.

Many states have stores with all types of consumer fireworks that sell to non-residents with the provision they are to remove the purchased fireworks from that state. This is why there are so many stores selling fireworks in states like Ohio, Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada and Wisconsin with all types of consumer fireworks, even though residents are limited or prohibited from buying or using those very same consumer fireworks unless they have the appropriate licenses and/or permits.

Many Native American Tribes have consumer fireworks stores on reservation lands that are exempt from state and local authority. These are often near casinos and tobacco outlets that are also exempt from state and local laws.

[edit] Other countries

In the United Kingdom fireworks cannot be sold to people under the age of 18 and setting them off between 11pm and 7am is only allowed at specific times of the year, including New Year and bonfire night.

In New Zealand fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and apparently now may only be sold for the 3 days leading up to and including the 5th November. However, fireworks are able to be used at any time of the year (Ie:, there is no time restriction on when fireworks can be used, even though there is a restriction on the sales time of fireworks.) The types of fireworks available to the public are multi shot "cakes", Roman candles, Single shot shooters, ground and wall spinners, fountains, cones, sparklers, and various novelties, such as smoke bombs and pharoes serpents. Skyrockets, and other fireworks where the firework itself flies, are specifically banned, as well as bangers and firecrackers

In Bergen, Norway, fireworks can only be purchased by people 18 or older. Class 1.3G professional display fireworks are for sale. Can only be fired between 1800 and 0200 on the celebration day.

In Australia, fireworks are not permitted to be sold to the public. The Australian Capital Territory has relaxed laws and adults are permitted to buy fireworks for personal purposes.

In the Netherlands, fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16. In the Netherlands, fireworks cannot be sold to any girl.

[edit] References

1. ^ The Chemistry of Fireworks By Michael S. Russell Contributor Royal Society of Chemistry. Page number 7. Published 2000. Royal Society of Chemistry. Science. ISBN 0854045988
2. ^ ^{a b} Gunpowder, Explosives and the State: a technological history By Brenda J. Buchanan. Page number 43. Published 2006. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Technology & Industrial. Arts. 425 pages. ISBN 0754652599
3. ^ Walt Disney Company (June 28, 2004). Disney debuts new safer, quieter and more environmentally-friendly fireworks technology. Press Release.
4. ^ "Fireworks: safer than candles, tableware." Dave Stoddard, Sacramento Ledger Dispatch, July 14, 2006.
5. ^ Natural Resources Canada, Explosive Regulatory Division. Display Fireworks Manual (March 2002 Edition)

[edit] Further reading

Plimpton, George (1984). Fireworks: A History and Celebration. Doubleday. 0385154143. 

[edit] External links

• Photos, videos and articles about fireworks
• The Fireworks Channel: Internet Videos and DVD Documentaries of International Fireworks
• Professional Fireworks Training and Videos
• PyroPlanet.com: World Fireworks News, Information, Links & Directory
• International Fireworks Web
• Tips on Fireworks Safety, Dos and donots
• [http://www.pyromate.com Pyrotechnic Firing Systems For the Fireworks Industry
• Polish site about fireworks www.fireworks.com.pl
• Polish forum about fireworks www.fajerwerki.webd.pl/forum
• [5] Pyrotechnical Forums
• Fireworks safety information
• How Fireworks work
• Fireworks photography tutorial
• The Pyrotechnics Guild International, an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts.
• Illegal Explosive Devices
• Large gallery of firecracker label artwork I-Mockery
• About.com The Chemistry of Firework Colors
• Glossaries 1 2
• How consumer fireworks work
• Natural Resources Canada's Explosive Regulatory Division - Information and Licensing in Canada.
• U.K. Department of Trade and Industry firework advice page
• Fireworks Photos and Video
• Method and apparatus for creating pyrotechnic effects - Patent #5,739,462. US Patent & Trademark Office. Retrieved on November 17, 2005. — patent for Disney's powderless launch system.
• A pyrowiki on pyrotechics
• Disney Insider: Practically Perfect Pyrotechnics
• Fireworksland.com - detailed information about consumer fireworks
• New York Institute of Photography - three articles on taking photos of fireworks displays
• U.S. state laws concerning consumer fireworks (National Council on Fireworks Safety website)
• Tarragona International Fireworks Competition, Spain
• Photos of fireworks taken during the 4th of July in Washington, DC
• Fireworks Budapest Photos
• Neighbours From Hell in Britain (Bangers and Crash: Dealing with the menace of 'legal' explosives)
• Epsom Fireworks Display & Funfair (A fireworks display in Epsom Surrey run for local charities)