History of Fireworks in Timeline

Fireworks are low explosive pyrotechnic devices primarily used for aesthetic and entertainment. These devices are frequently used in large displays during cultural and religious celebrations. However, they require careful handling as mismanagement can lead to accidents.

1966: Pyrotechnics Experts Started to compete in Monte Carlo

Pyrotechnics experts from around the world have competed in Monte Carlo, Monaco, since 1966.

1969: Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) Founded

In 1969, the Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) annual convention was founded.

1976: Crackerjacks, Inc. Organized

In 1976, One of the oldest clubs is Crackerjacks, Inc., organized in the Eastern Seaboard region.

1997: UK Fireworks Regulation Started

In the UK, fireworks have become more strictly regulated since 1997.

2003: California Enacted Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

In 2003, California's legislature enacted AB 826, the Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act.

2003: Court Applied CERCLA to Perchlorate Contamination

In 2003, a federal district court in California found that Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) applied because perchlorate is ignitable and therefore a "characteristic" hazardous waste.

2004: Disneyland Pioneered Compressed Air Fireworks

In 2004, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, pioneered the commercial use of aerial fireworks launched with compressed air rather than gunpowder.

2004: Banning of Single-Shot Air Bombs and Bottle Rockets in the UK

In 2004, single-shot air bombs and bottle rockets were banned in the UK, and rocket sizes were limited.

2004: Annual Festival Increased Firework Rounds

The annual festival increased to 4,000 rounds in 2004.

December 2005: California Adopted Perchlorate Best Management Practices

In December 2005, California adopted the Perchlorate Best Management Practices.

2005: La Patum Declared Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

In 2005, UNESCO declared La Patum one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

2005: "Happy Hallowishes" Show Began at Walt Disney World

In 2005, the "Happy Hallowishes" show began at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" event.

2005: Harmonization of UK Firework Law with EU Member States

Since 2005, the law has been harmonised gradually, in accordance with other EU member state laws.

2005: Annual Festival Increased Firework Rounds

The annual festival increased to 6,000 rounds in 2005.

July 2006: California's Perchlorate Best Management Practices became operative

In July 2006, California's Perchlorate Best Management Practices became operative.

2006: Annual Festival Increased Firework Rounds

The annual festival increased to more than 9,100 rounds in 2006.

June 2007: ERD Approved Circular Firing Sites

In June 2007, the ERD approved circular firing sites for use with vertically fired mortars with a safety distance of at least 175-meter (574 ft) radius, plus distance adjustments for wind speed and direction.

2007: California Issued Drinking Water Standards

In 2007, California issued drinking water standards for perchlorates.

2007: Age Restriction Increased for Fireworks Purchase in New Zealand

In 2007, the age for purchasing fireworks in New Zealand increased to 18 years of age and older (up from 14 years).

March 2008: New Firework Classification in the UK

From March 2008 any firework with more than 5% flashpowder per tube has been classified 1.3G in the UK.

2008: Britain's Biggest Guy Fawkes Night Events

The Guardian newspaper said in 2008 that Britain's biggest Guy Fawkes night events were:

August 2009: ACT Government Announced Complete Ban on Backyard Fireworks

In August 2009, the ACT Government announced a complete ban on backyard fireworks.

2009: "Halloween Screams" Began at Disneyland Park

In 2009, the "Halloween Screams" began at Disneyland Park.

2009: Finland Banned Fireworks for Those Under 18

In Finland, those under 18 years old haven't been allowed to buy any fireworks since 2009.

2010: No Federal Drinking Water Standards for Perchlorates in the US

As of 2010, there are no federal drinking water standards for perchlorates in the United States, but the US Environmental Protection Agency has studied the impacts of perchlorates on the environment as well as drinking water.

2012: Consumer Fireworks Revenue

In 2012, consumer fireworks revenue was significantly lower at $645 million.

2015: Collecchio Mandated Silent Fireworks

In 2015, the Italian town of Collecchio mandated silent fireworks, being among the first to make the switch without losing the beauty of the visual displays.

2016: House of Commons Debated Firework Use Restriction

In 2016, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom debated a motion to restrict firework use after a petition signed by over 100,000 Brits.

2020: Fireworks Purchase Increased Markedly

In 2020, the purchase of fireworks by American consumers has markedly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching $2.3 billion.

2020: Nationwide Ban on Fireworks Sales in Germany

In 2020, there was a nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to relieve the burden on hospitals by reducing the number of emergencies due to injuries caused by fireworks on New Year's Eve.

2021: Nationwide Ban on Fireworks Sales in Germany Continues

In 2021, the nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve in Germany continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to relieve the burden on hospitals by reducing the number of emergencies due to injuries caused by fireworks on New Year's Eve.

2022: Fireworks might have lasting effects on birds

In 2022, a scientific study indicated that fireworks might have some sort of lasting effect on birds, with many birds spending more time to find food in the weeks after New Year's Eve fireworks.

2023: NYU Langone Health Assessed Effects of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

In 2023, a team of researchers from NYU Langone Health assessed the effects of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on localized air and water pollution. The results of the study showed a sharp rise in airborne particulates, with peak real-time measurements of PM2.5 exceeding 1,000 μg/m at three sampling sites within 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks display, which took several hours to return back to pre-event levels. The study also found increased levels of heavy metals in the East River that lasted for one hour after the fireworks ended.