Full Text
SAFETY FIRE & STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE 2020-10 PUBLIC DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS BULLETIN October 29, 2020 In efforts to safeguard the public, this office is issuing the following bulletin to our Fire Department partners to help us educate the public of these requirements. Chapter 120-3-22- .02(11) which came into effect January 1, 2020 provided the below listed definition of a “public display” and the requirements for obtaining the permit as provided for in OCGA 25-10-4 PUBLIC EXHIBITION OR DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS: the use of pyrotechnics, display fireworks, consumer fireworks, or any combination of these for any purpose relating to the amusement or entertainment of the public that does not occur within a building or structure or before a proximate audience; provided that such term shall not include the private, personal use of consumer fireworks by the public. HB 110 effectively legalized consumer fireworks, and this office has maintained that statute does not differentiate between the use of “consumer fireworks” and “display fireworks” for the purpose of a public exhibition or display of fireworks. Any public display requires a permit be obtained from the county probate court in which the display will occur, whether utilizing consumer fireworks or display fireworks. Illegal public exhibitions or displays of fireworks without the proper permit will be investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. This office will pursue enforcement actions including assessing monetary penalties against persons performing illegal public exhibitions or displays of fireworks. If you should have any questions, please contact Jason Pritchett at (404) 357-4340 or [EMAIL REDACTED]. Respectfully, Mark Revenew Deputy Commissioner Safety Fire