History of Fireworks in Timeline
Fireworks are low explosive pyrotechnic devices primarily used for entertainment and aesthetic purposes. Often combined in large-scale outdoor displays, they are central to many cultural and religious celebrations. However, their misuse can result in accidents.
1966: Pyrotechnics Competition in Monte Carlo Founded
Since 1966, pyrotechnics experts from around the world have competed in Monte Carlo, Monaco, at an annual festival running from July to August.
1969: Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. Founded
The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) annual convention was founded in 1969.
1976: Crackerjacks, Inc. Organized
In 1976, Crackerjacks, Inc., one of the oldest fireworks clubs in the United States, was organized in the Eastern Seaboard region.
1997: Fireworks Regulation Increased in the UK
Fireworks in the UK have become more strictly regulated since 1997.
2003: Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act of 2003
In 2003, California's legislature enacted AB 826, the Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act. It required California's Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) to adopt regulations specifying best management practices for perchlorate-containing substances.
2003: Perchlorate Ruled as Hazardous Waste
In 2003, a federal district court in California found that the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) applied because perchlorate is ignitable and therefore a "characteristic" hazardous waste.
2004: Disneyland Pioneers Compressed Air Fireworks
In 2004, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, pioneered the commercial use of aerial fireworks launched with compressed air, improving accuracy and reducing fumes.
2004: Increased Fireworks Use at an Annual Festival
In 2004, an annual festival used 4,000 rounds of fireworks.
2004: Bans on 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 to reduce disruptive effects.
December 2005: California Adopts Perchlorate Best Management Practices
In December 2005, California adopted Perchlorate Best Management Practices. They became operative on July 1, 2006, aiming to regulate perchlorate-containing substances.
2005: La Patum Declared a Masterpiece by UNESCO
In 2005, UNESCO declared La Patum, celebrated in Berga, Spain, one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
2005: Increased Fireworks Use at an Annual Festival
In 2005, an annual festival increased the use of fireworks to 6,000 rounds.
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 Fireworks Law with EU
Since 2005, the law in the UK has been harmonised gradually, in accordance with other EU member state laws regarding fireworks.
July 2006: California's Perchlorate Best Management Practices Become Operative
On July 1, 2006, California's Perchlorate Best Management Practices became operative. This action required regulation of perchlorate-containing substances.
2006: Increased Fireworks Use at an Annual Festival
In 2006, an annual festival again increased the use of fireworks, this time to more than 9,100 rounds.
June 2007: Circular Firing Sites Approved in Canada
In June 2007, the ERD in Canada approved circular firing sites for use with vertically fired mortars, specifying a safety distance of at least 175-meter (574 ft) radius, plus distance adjustments for wind speed and direction.
2007: California Issues Drinking Water Standards
In 2007, California issued drinking water standards for perchlorates, continuing the trend of state-level regulation.
2007: Fireworks Age Restriction Increased in New Zealand
In 2007, New Zealand raised the age for purchasing fireworks from 14 to 18 years of age and older.
March 2008: Firework Flashpowder Classification Change in the UK
From March 2008, any firework in the UK with more than 5% flashpowder per tube has been classified as 1.3G.
2008: The Guardian Highlights Biggest Guy Fawkes Night Events
In 2008, The Guardian newspaper highlighted Britain's biggest Guy Fawkes night events, celebrating the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605.
August 2009: ACT Government Announces Backyard Fireworks Ban
In August 2009, the ACT Government in Australia announced a complete ban on backyard fireworks, tightening regulations.
2009: "Halloween Screams" Began at Disneyland Park
In 2009, the "Halloween Screams" show began at Disneyland Park, a Halloween firework display.
2009: Fireworks Restrictions for Minors in Finland
Since 2009, those under 18 years old in Finland have not been allowed to buy any fireworks. Safety goggles are also required.
2010: US EPA Studies Perchlorates
As of 2010, the US Environmental Protection Agency has studied the impacts of perchlorates on the environment and in drinking water, though no federal drinking water standards existed in the United States at that time.
2012: Consumer Fireworks Revenue
In 2012, consumer fireworks revenue was significantly lower at $645 million, indicating a steady growth trend in the market.
2015: Collecchio Mandates Silent Fireworks
In 2015, the Italian town of Collecchio mandated silent fireworks, becoming one of the first to switch without losing the beauty of the visual displays.
2016: Motion to Restrict Firework Use Debated
In 2016, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom debated a motion to restrict firework use following a petition signed by over 100,000 British citizens concerned about the impact of fireworks.
2020: Nationwide Ban on Category F2 Fireworks in the Netherlands
In 2020, a nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve was implemented in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to alleviate the burden on hospitals by reducing the number of emergencies due to firework-related injuries.
2020: Consumer Fireworks Sales Doubled
In 2020, consumer fireworks sales approximately doubled reaching $2.3 billion.
2021: Nationwide Ban on Category F2 Fireworks in the Netherlands
In 2021, a nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve was implemented in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to alleviate the burden on hospitals by reducing the number of emergencies due to firework-related injuries.
2022: Fireworks Lasting Effects on Birds
In 2022, a scientific study indicated that fireworks might have a lasting effect on birds, with many birds spending more time to find food in the weeks after New Year's Eve fireworks.
2024: New Year's Eve Fatalities and Injuries
On the 2024–2025 New Year's eve and day, five people were killed and over 100 injured due to unusually intense widespread criminality and negligence related to fireworks.
2025: New Year's Eve Fatalities and Injuries
On the 2024–2025 New Year's eve and day, five people were killed and over 100 injured due to unusually intense widespread criminality and negligence related to fireworks.
2028: Projected Fireworks Sales Increase
Industry projections currently anticipate a further increase, forecasting fireworks sales to reach $3.3 billion by 2028.
