Fireworks Hell has Begun: more fires occur on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.

Rhode Island allows the sale of non-aerial, non-explosive "ground" fireworks (like sparklers and fountains). Larger aerial fireworks (like firecrackers and bottle rockets) that make a "bang" or leave the ground are entirely

The disconnect between what is sold and what is banned comes down to specific regulations and enforcement realities:

• Legal "Safe and Sane" Sales: Stores in Rhode Island are legally permitted to sell ground-based and hand-held "sparkling" devices that do not fly or detonate. [1]
• The "Out-of-State" Loophole: Many of the loud, aerial fireworks you see shot off in the state are purchased legally in neighboring states (like New Hampshire) where laws are more relaxed, and then illegally transported back across state lines. [1, 2]
• Enforcement Challenges: Because police cannot monitor every backyard, it is difficult to catch individuals in the act of illegally setting off banned pyrotechnics, making the illegal use widespread despite strict fines. [1, 2]

• Fireworks

  Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks

  Legal Fireworks

  In Rhode Island, only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (“sparklers”) are legal for use by the general public, sixteen years of age or older. These devices are ground based or hand-held devices that produce a shower of white, gold, or colored sparks as their primary pyrotechnic effect. Additional effects may include a colored flame, an audible crackling effect, an audible whistle effect, and smoke. These devices do not rise into the air, do not fire inserts or projectiles into the air, and do not explode or produce a report. (A mild audible crackling-type effect is not considered to be a report.) Ground-based or hand-held devices that produce a cloud of smoke as their sole pyrotechnic effect are also included in this category.

  Rhode Island General Law § 11-13-1 states that no one can sell, use or possess display fireworks or aerial consumer fireworks. Certain fireworks and devices that are exempt from the definitions of display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks include but are not limited to:

• Ground-based & hand-held sparkling devices
• Fountains
• Illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers
• Sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers & dipped sticks

Illegal Fireworks

Any firecrackers, rockets, mortars, or any other device that launches a projectile and/or makes a "bang"/detonation/report are illegal per RIGL § 11-13-1.

To file a complaint or report the use of illegal fireworks, contact your local police department. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report fireworks or loud noises.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns, or Kongming Lanterns, are typically small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom, where a small fire burns. The lantern, with the fire still burning, is released and then becomes airborne. The release of burning sky lanterns presents a serious risk of causing unintentional fires and injury. Their use in the State of Rhode Island is prohibited under the provisions of the Fire Safety Code. [450-RICR-00-00-7-10.1.9.3