The U.S. Department of Transportation does not classify the following items listed as common fireworks, and their use is allowed within the City of Austin:
- Snake, GlowWorms – Pressed pellet of pyrotechnic composition that produces a large, snakelike ash upon burning. The ash expands in length as the pellet burns. These devices may not contain mercuric thiocyanate.
- Smoke Device – Tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that, upon ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
- Wire Sparkler – Wire coated with pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items may not contain magnesium and must not exceed 100g of composition per item. Devices containing any chlorate or perchlorate salts may not exceed 5g of composition per item.
- Trick Noisemaker – Item produces a small report intended to surprise the user. These devices include:
- Party Popper – Small plastic or paper item containing not more than 16mg of explosive composition that is friction-sensitive. A string protruding from the device is pulled to ignite it, expelling paper streams and producing a small report.
- Booby Trap – Small tube with string protruding from both ends, similar to a party popper in design. The ends of the string are pulled to ignite the friction-sensitive composition, producing a small report.
- Snapper – Small, paper-wrapped item containing a minute quantity of explosive composition coated on small bits of sand. When dropped, the device explodes, producing a small report.
- Trick Match – Kitchen or book match that has been coated with a small quantity of explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
- Cigarette Load – Small wooden peg that has been coated with a small quantity of explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
- Auto Burglar Alarm – A tube which contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and/or smoke when ignited. A small quantity of explosive, not exceeding 50mg, also may be used to produce a small report. A squib is used to ignite the device.
**While no permit is required for the devices above, users should follow all of the Manufacturer’s safety, handling, and storage recommendations and these devices should always be used in a safe outdoor location.
Fireworks can cause serious injury and significant property damage. As a result, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks inside the City limits unless a permit has been issued by the AFD Special Events Division. Individuals who choose to violate that law may receive a citation and face a fine of up to $2,000.
Report use of illegal fireworks to Austin 3-1-1. Call 9-1-1 to report active fires or medical emergencies.
A permit along with the following is required in order to promote or execute a commercial or consumer firework display within the City of Austin:
- A site plan of the grounds where the display is to be held must be submitted and approved by AFD Emergency Prevention.
- A copy of a pyrotechnic operator license issued by a State Fire Marshal’s Office (Commercial only).
- A list of the fireworks to be used along with an MSDS for each (Commercial Only). Consumer Displays are restricted to ground devices containing 50mg or less of explosive composition and smoke devices classed as explosive 1.4G, firecrackers and small smoke bombs only.
- A certificate of insurance must be obtained for a minimum of $1,000,000 bodily injury and $500,000 property damage if the display is aerial in nature. Non-aerial displays must have a certificate of insurance for a minimum of $500,000 bodily injury and $300,000 property damage insurance. The City of Austin must be named as co-insured on the policy.
- A $200 permit fee and permit application form from the Austin Fire Department is required.
- A public display permit must be obtained from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. (Commercial only).
All information must be submitted for aerial fireworks at least 30 days prior to scheduled event, and for flame effect, open flame performances, etc., at least 14 days prior to scheduled event, for review and approval. The public display must meet all State of Texas requirements as outlined in Article 5.43-4 Insurance Code and Firework rules. This booklet is available from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The following expenses are the responsibility of the fireworks contractor or pyrotechnic operator (if required):
- Apparatus Standby Fee
- Firewatch Inspector Fee
Actual fee amounts will be determined based on event specifics.
For a fireworks display permit email afdspecialevents@austintexas.gov.
It is illegal to use or sell fireworks within the City of Austin.