Dallas Twp. adopts regulations on fireworks

DALLAS TWP. —The township supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday to adopt consumer fireworks regulations.

The state already has laws regulating the use of fireworks, but the township’s resolution would give it the authority to require residents to obtain a permit.

The resolution defines consumer fireworks as “any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances, intended to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion.”

The term doesn’t include ground or hand-held sparklers, novelties or toy caps.

The resolution was adopted as a result of complaints from residents and to set guidelines for the use of fireworks within the township. Information required on the permit application includes the name, address and phone number of the applicant; the address of the site where the fireworks are to be used; the name, address and phone number of the owners or tenants of the site; and the credentials of the person in charge of the fireworks display.

Fireworks will not be permitted after 11 pm.

“They key thing is, if there are complaints, and there is no permit, the police can shut it down,” said township solicitor Tom Brennan. “If they do have a permit and they are in violation, they’re shut down. We’re not out penalize our citizens. We’re just trying to protect their rights.”