1966: First International Fireworks Competition in Monte Carlo
The inaugural International Fireworks Competition in Monte Carlo, Monaco, was held in 1966. The annual event features pyrotechnics experts from around the world.
1969: Founding of the Pyrotechnics Guild International
The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) was founded in 1969. Though based in the US, membership is open internationally.
1976: Crackerjacks, Inc., a Fireworks Enthusiast Club, is Founded
Crackerjacks, Inc., one of the oldest fireworks enthusiast clubs in the US, was established in 1976. Located in the Eastern Seaboard region, the club brought together fireworks hobbyists and professionals.
1997: UK Implements Stricter Fireworks Regulations
The UK began tightening regulations on fireworks in 1997, reflecting a growing awareness of the potential hazards and nuisances associated with their use.
2003: California Enacts Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act
In 2003, California passed the Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act (AB 826), demonstrating growing concern about the presence of this firework byproduct in the environment.
2003: Court Ruling on Perchlorate Contamination and CERCLA
In a significant 2003 ruling, a federal district court in California determined that perchlorate, a common firework ingredient, fell under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). This ruling classified perchlorate as a "characteristic" hazardous waste due to its ignitability.
2004: Growth of Annual Fireworks Festival
An annual festival used 4,000 rounds of fireworks in 2004.
2004: Disneyland Pioneers Compressed Air Fireworks
Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, became the first to commercially use compressed air for launching aerial fireworks in 2004. This method, replacing gunpowder, utilizes an electronic timer for mid-air explosions and offers advantages like reduced fumes and enhanced accuracy.
2004: UK Bans Certain Types of Fireworks and Limits Rocket Sizes
In 2004, the UK banned several types of fireworks considered particularly dangerous or disruptive, including single-shot air bombs and bottle rockets. Additionally, they imposed limitations on rocket sizes.
December 2005: California Adopts Perchlorate Best Management Practices
In December 2005, California established its Perchlorate Best Management Practices, which went into effect in July 2006. These regulations aimed to minimize perchlorate contamination from sources like fireworks.
2005: Growth of Annual Fireworks Festival
An annual festival saw an increase in fireworks usage, reaching 6,000 rounds in 2005.
2005: UK Harmonizes Fireworks Laws with EU
In line with its membership in the European Union, the UK gradually harmonized its fireworks laws with other EU member states starting in 2005, aiming for greater consistency and safety standards across the region.
2005: "Happy Hallowishes" Fireworks Show Begins
The "Happy Hallowishes" fireworks show premiered in 2005 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom as part of "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" event.
July 2006: California Implements Perchlorate Best Management Practices
California's Perchlorate Best Management Practices became operational in July 2006, reflecting the state's commitment to reducing perchlorate contamination from fireworks and other sources.
2006: Growth of Annual Fireworks Festival
An annual festival continued to expand, utilizing over 9,100 rounds of fireworks in 2006.
June 2007: Canada Approves Circular Firing Sites for Fireworks
Canada's Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) approved the use of circular firing sites for fireworks with vertically fired mortars in June 2007. This decision aimed to enhance safety during fireworks displays.
2007: New Zealand Raises Minimum Age for Fireworks Purchase
New Zealand increased the minimum age to purchase fireworks from 14 to 18 in 2007, reflecting a global trend of strengthening regulations around firework access.
2007: California Establishes Drinking Water Standards for Perchlorates
California issued drinking water standards for perchlorates in 2007, highlighting the state's proactive approach to managing the risks associated with this firework byproduct.
March 2008: UK Reclassifies Fireworks with High Flashpowder Content
From March 2008 onward, any firework in the UK containing more than 5% flashpowder per tube was reclassified as 1.3G. This change aimed to regulate the explosive power of fireworks available to the public.
2008: The Guardian Publishes List of Biggest Guy Fawkes Night Events
In 2008, The Guardian newspaper published a list of the largest Guy Fawkes Night events in Britain.
August 2009: ACT Government Bans Backyard Fireworks
In August 2009, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government implemented a total ban on backyard fireworks.
2009: "Halloween Screams" Fireworks Show Begins
Disneyland Park debuted their Halloween fireworks show, "Halloween Screams", in 2009.
2009: Finland Implements Stricter Fireworks Regulations
Starting in 2009, Finland banned the sale of any fireworks to individuals under 18 years old. This move aimed to improve firework safety by restricting access to younger individuals.
2010: US EPA Studies Perchlorate Impacts
As of 2010, the US Environmental Protection Agency had no federal drinking water standards for perchlorates. However, they were actively studying the impacts of these firework byproducts on both the environment and drinking water.
2012: US Consumer Fireworks Revenue at $645 million
In 2012, consumer fireworks revenue in the US was recorded at $645 million, providing a baseline figure to understand the market's growth trajectory over the years.
2015: Silent Fireworks Gain Traction
In 2015, the Italian town of Collecchio decided to switch to using silent fireworks for their displays. It was an early example of a community choosing to reduce noise pollution from fireworks without giving up the visual spectacle they provide.
2015: Collecchio, Italy, Mandates Silent Fireworks
In 2015, the town of Collecchio in Italy took a pioneering step by making silent fireworks mandatory. This decision highlighted a growing trend of addressing noise pollution concerns associated with traditional firework displays.
2016: UK Parliament Debates Fireworks Restrictions
In 2016, the UK's House of Commons debated restricting firework use. This debate came after a petition to reduce firework usage gained significant public support, highlighting growing concern for animal welfare.
2020: Germany Bans Category F2 Fireworks during COVID-19 Pandemic
In a move to reduce strain on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany banned the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve 2020/2021.
2020: US Consumer Fireworks Sales Surge During COVID-19 Pandemic
The consumer fireworks industry in the United States saw a dramatic rise in sales in 2020, reaching $2.3 billion. This surge was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of many public firework events and increased demand for at-home celebrations.
2021: Germany Bans Category F2 Fireworks during COVID-19 Pandemic
In a move to reduce strain on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany banned the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve 2020/2021.
2022: Study Shows Fireworks Cause Lasting Effects on Birds
A 2022 scientific study showed that fireworks may have long-term negative effects on birds. The research found that many birds require more time to find food in the weeks following New Year's Eve fireworks displays.
2028: US Fireworks Sales Projected to Reach $3.3 Billion
Industry forecasts predict that fireworks sales in the US will continue to climb, potentially hitting $3.3 billion by 2028. This projection suggests sustained growth in the consumer fireworks market.