History of Fireworks in Timeline

Fireworks are pyrotechnic devices primarily used for entertainment and aesthetic displays. Often involving a collection of devices, these displays are integral to numerous cultural and religious celebrations. However, improper handling can result in accidents.

1966: Pyrotechnics competition started in Monte Carlo

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

1969: The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) annual convention founded

Though based in the US, membership of the Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) is annual convention founded in 1969, it hosts some the world's biggest fireworks displays occur.

1976: Crackerjacks, Inc. was organized

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

1997: Fireworks regulation in the UK

Fireworks in the UK have become more strictly regulated since 1997.

2003: Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act enacted in California

In 2003, California's legislature enacted AB 826, the Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act, requiring California's Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) to adopt regulations specifying best management practices for perchlorate-containing substances.

2003: Federal court finds CERCLA applicable 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 commercial use of compressed air launched fireworks

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

2004: Single-shot air bombs and bottle rockets banned in the UK

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

2004: 4,000 rounds used at the annual festival

In 2004, the annual festival used 4,000 rounds.

December 2005: Perchlorate Best Management Practices adopted in California

The Perchlorate Best Management Practices were adopted in California on December 31, 2005, and became operative on 1 July 2006.

2005: UNESCO declared La Patum one of the Masterpieces of the 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 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" event

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

2005: 6,000 rounds used at the annual festival

In 2005, the annual festival used 6,000 rounds.

2005: Harmonisation of fireworks law in the UK

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

July 2006: Perchlorate Best Management Practices operative in California

In July 2006, The Perchlorate Best Management Practices adopted by California became operative.

2006: More than 9,100 rounds used at the annual festival

In 2006, the annual festival used more than 9,100 rounds.

June 2007: ERD approved circular firing sites in June 2007

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

In 2007, California issued drinking water standards.

2007: Fireworks age restriction increased in New Zealand

In 2007, New Zealand increased the age for purchasing fireworks to 18 years of age and older.

March 2008: Firework classification changes 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 ban on backyard fireworks

On August 24, 2009, the ACT Government announced a complete ban on backyard fireworks.

2009: "Halloween Screams" at Disneyland Park

In 2009, the "Halloween Screams" show at Disneyland Park started.

2009: Finland prohibits fireworks purchase for those under 18

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

2010: No federal drinking water standards for perchlorates in the United States as of 2010

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 the USA

In 2012, consumer fireworks revenue was significantly lower at $645 million in the USA, indicating a steady growth trend in the market.

2015: Collecchio, Italy mandates 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 motion to restrict firework use

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: Consumer fireworks sales increased markedly in the USA

According to industry data, in 2020, the consumer fireworks industry reported sales of approximately $2.3 billion in the USA, almost doubled from the year preceding the pandemic.

2020: Nationwide ban on sale of category F2 fireworks in Germany on New Year's Eve

In 2020, there was a nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to relieve the burden on hospitals.

2021: Nationwide ban on sale of category F2 fireworks in Germany on New Year's Eve

In 2021, there was a nationwide ban on the sale of category F2 fireworks to consumers on New Year's Eve during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to relieve the burden on hospitals.

2022: Study indicates lasting effect on birds after New Year's Eve fireworks

A scientific study from 2022 indicates 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: Study assesses effects of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on pollution

In 2023, a study assessed the effects of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on localized air and water pollution, showing increased levels of airborne particulates and heavy metals in the East River.