Austin Fire

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Fireworks in Austin

Fireworks are illegal to possess or use in the City of Austin unless a permit has been issued for a professional display. These permits are issued by Austin Fire Special Events only if requirements are met. Contact afdspecialevents@austintexas.gov for details.  Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 30 days prior to scheduled event. Requests for flame effect, open flame performances, etc., must be submitted at least 14 days prior to scheduled event.

Fireworks Display Requirements

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 Special Events.
  • 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 public display permit must be obtained from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (commercial only).

All information must be submitted to AFD Emergency Prevention Office. Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 30 days prior to scheduled event. Requests for flame effect, open flame performances, etc., must be submitted at least 14 days prior to scheduled event.  It is recommended you begin the process early to ensure requirements can be met. 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.

Apply for a Fireworks Permit (licensed pyrotechnic company only) - Pyro, Burn, and Flame Special Effects Permit Application

Apply for an Austin Center for Events (ACE) application (event organizer only) - Special Event Permitting Process

Activities That Do Not Require a Fireworks Permit

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 pyrotechic 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.

Reporting Illegal Fireworks

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. Illegal fireworks activity can be reported to Austin 3-1-1.

Residents wishing to file a citizen complaint with the City of Austin Municipal Court to report a known, named individual shooting off illegal fireworks may do so using this complaint process.