Summer has officially begun and with it comes many festivities, holidays like the Fourth of July and the overall joy of being outside.
One type of firework that has remained popular at outdoor events are smoke bombs; they can add a little flair to events, parties and festivals. Are they allowed in Rochester?
Are smoke bombs legal in New York?
New York State allows for the sale and use of specific fireworks known as sparkling devices, which include smoke bombs.
Sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. These devices must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike, and be limited in sizes that range from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.
Other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide.
Some counties and cities in New York have put in place a local law that prohibits the use and sale of sparkling devices.
Who allows the purchase and use of sparkling devices in New York?
Monroe County allows the purchase and use of sparkling devices such as smoke bombs.
Here is a list of counties that have prohibited the sale and use of sparkling devices:
Can anyone sell sparkling devices?
If someone or a business is interested in selling or shipping sparkling devices in New York State they are required to apply for a certification with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control and pay an annual fee. The application can be found here.
Certified permanent and specialty retailers can only sell sparkling devices from June 1 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2.
Temporary stands or tents that are certified in selling sparkling devices can only sell from from June 20 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2.
If you’re interested in purchasing sparkling devices this year a list of registered sparkling device vendors can be found at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/06/sparklingvendors_0.pdf.
What are some safety tips when using sparkling devices?
To avoid harm to self or property when using these devices here are some preventative measures to keep in mind, according to the Rochester Fire Department:
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Are smoke bombs legal in Rochester? Here’s what to know
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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