Where to go for further information:
National Fireworks Clubs
Fireworks clubs are a great way to meet fellow pyro hobbyists. Most clubs have shoots where you can safely test and shoot your homemade fireworks. Many clubs offer hands-on seminars on all aspects of making, using, and safely storing fireworks. Many are Federally licensed, so you can legally manufacture fireworks under the club license. Many of them offer fireworks safety training, and training in setting up and firing professional fireworks displays. Click on the name of the club or organization for more information.
Pyrotechnics Guild International
The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc., founded in 1969, is an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. With 3,000+ members primarily from the, it is the largest organization in the US. 6 times a year Bulletin, and a one-week convention the second week in August every year held in different locations throughout the US each year. There’s an active online discussion group. Conventions feature seminars, training, fireworks and supplies for sale at conventions, open shooting of all fireworks (homemade and purchased), and nightly competitions and/or professional fireworks displays. Membership is open to all.
Junior Pyrotechnics Association
The JPA is an international organization composed of minors who have their interests in fireworks, but who are not old enough yet to be full adult members of the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI). The JPA is associated with the PGI, and thus holds conventions at the same time and place as the PGI, where we present a fireworks display.
The BPG was founded in the mid-'90s, and we have members from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and other neighboring states. Our membership includes both professional and amateur pyro enthusiasts who get together 8-10 times a year for meetings/shoots/seminars/safety trainings. We welcome anyone who is interested in the art of fireworks.
Crackerjacks Fireworks Club
The Crackerjacks was established in 1976. Its members are primarily from Mid-Atlantic states--Maryland, Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New England. Members consist of both professionals and hobbyists. The club has 3 2-day shoots each year, and some one-day events, all at a permanent facility in northern Virginia. The club holds seminars, meetings, and social get-togethers. The board must approve new members, but everyone is welcome to apply.
Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (FPAG)
Membership is small and primarily serious fireworks makers. FPAG has 10-12 seminars or workshop meetings and two weekend-long fireworks events per year an active online discussion group, no web site. Membership is by invitation only from another member.
Heartland Pyrotechnic Association (HPA)
Heartland Pyrotechnics Association, Inc., (HPA) is a non-profit organization started in 1988 by individuals that love fireworks. HPA encourages the safe and legal use of fireworks through the sharing of knowledge. Membership is comprised of fireworks enthusiasts, professionals, and people who simply enjoy watching fireworks. HPA operates mainly in Tri-State area of northern Indiana, but has shoots in southwest Michigan and Mid-northern Illinois. HPA offers a safe and legal way to display all types of fireworks.
Iowa Pyrotechnic Association
The IPA is a growing organization that helps it's members to safely design and display fireworks. Their members are shell builders, display operators/owners, and fireworks enthusiast. Their members donate their time to a fall picnic once a year.
Mid-Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG)
The Mid-Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG) is a fireworks club for hobbyist fireworks builders and rocket enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region. It's modeled after other builder oriented clubs, such as the Florida Pyrotechnics Arts Guild (FPAG), the Wisconsin Pyrotechnics Arts Guild (WPAG), and the Michigan Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MPAG). MAPAG meets the last weekend each month, April through October, in Locust Grove, VA. Membership in MAPAG starts with sending email to membership@mapag.us and is approved by a unanimous vote by club members in attendance. You can learn more about MAPAG by visiting our website at http://mapag.us.
Missouri Pyrotechnics Association (MoPyro)
MoPyro was founded to give fireworks enthusiasts in Missouri and Illinois a local club. They promote the safe, sane and legal use of fireworks. The club is filled with members from interested novices all the way to fireworks display company owner-operators and past-PGI Grand Masters.
Michigan Pyrotechnics Art Guild (MPAG)
MPAG is largely comprised of shell builders and people who love to shoot fireworks. There are usually 5 shoots a year, to which members can bring and shoot their own fireworks. The club serves the Great Lakes Region.
Pyrotechnics Guild International
The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc., founded in 1969, is an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. With 3,000+ members primarily from the, it is the largest organization in the US. 6 times a year Bulletin, and a one-week convention the second week in August every year held in different locations throughout the US each year. There’s an active online discussion group. Conventions feature seminars, training, fireworks and supplies for sale at conventions, open shooting of all fireworks (homemade and purchased), and nightly competitions and/or professional fireworks displays. Membership is open to all.
Junior Pyrotechnics Association
The JPA is an international organization composed of minors who have their interests in fireworks, but who are not old enough yet to be full adult members of the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI). The JPA is associated with the PGI, and thus holds conventions at the same time and place as the PGI, where we present a fireworks display.
Regional Clubs
Bluegrass Pyrotechnics Guild (BPG)The BPG was founded in the mid-'90s, and we have members from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and other neighboring states. Our membership includes both professional and amateur pyro enthusiasts who get together 8-10 times a year for meetings/shoots/seminars/safety trainings. We welcome anyone who is interested in the art of fireworks.
Crackerjacks Fireworks Club
The Crackerjacks was established in 1976. Its members are primarily from Mid-Atlantic states--Maryland, Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New England. Members consist of both professionals and hobbyists. The club has 3 2-day shoots each year, and some one-day events, all at a permanent facility in northern Virginia. The club holds seminars, meetings, and social get-togethers. The board must approve new members, but everyone is welcome to apply.
Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (FPAG)
Membership is small and primarily serious fireworks makers. FPAG has 10-12 seminars or workshop meetings and two weekend-long fireworks events per year an active online discussion group, no web site. Membership is by invitation only from another member.
Heartland Pyrotechnic Association (HPA)
Heartland Pyrotechnics Association, Inc., (HPA) is a non-profit organization started in 1988 by individuals that love fireworks. HPA encourages the safe and legal use of fireworks through the sharing of knowledge. Membership is comprised of fireworks enthusiasts, professionals, and people who simply enjoy watching fireworks. HPA operates mainly in Tri-State area of northern Indiana, but has shoots in southwest Michigan and Mid-northern Illinois. HPA offers a safe and legal way to display all types of fireworks.
Iowa Pyrotechnic Association
The IPA is a growing organization that helps it's members to safely design and display fireworks. Their members are shell builders, display operators/owners, and fireworks enthusiast. Their members donate their time to a fall picnic once a year.
Mid-Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG)
The Mid-Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG) is a fireworks club for hobbyist fireworks builders and rocket enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region. It's modeled after other builder oriented clubs, such as the Florida Pyrotechnics Arts Guild (FPAG), the Wisconsin Pyrotechnics Arts Guild (WPAG), and the Michigan Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MPAG). MAPAG meets the last weekend each month, April through October, in Locust Grove, VA. Membership in MAPAG starts with sending email to membership@mapag.us and is approved by a unanimous vote by club members in attendance. You can learn more about MAPAG by visiting our website at http://mapag.us.
Missouri Pyrotechnics Association (MoPyro)
MoPyro was founded to give fireworks enthusiasts in Missouri and Illinois a local club. They promote the safe, sane and legal use of fireworks. The club is filled with members from interested novices all the way to fireworks display company owner-operators and past-PGI Grand Masters.
Michigan Pyrotechnics Art Guild (MPAG)
MPAG is largely comprised of shell builders and people who love to shoot fireworks. There are usually 5 shoots a year, to which members can bring and shoot their own fireworks. The club serves the Great Lakes Region.
A geographically diverse multi-state club with members from South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, roughly centered in eastern Nebraska.
New Hampshire Pyrotechnics Association (NHPA)
New England Club dedicated to the safe, artful, and lawful training and use of pyrotechnics.
Northern Lighters
Pyro club in Minnesota.
Northwest Pyrotechnics Association (NPA)
Formed in late 2010, the NPA is the culmination and determination of various northwest groups/professionals, and is the sole successor to the NorthWest Pyrotechnic Arts Association (NWPAA). The purpose of the Northwest Pyrotechnics Association shall be to promote and encourage safe, legal, and artful pyrotechnic operation throughout the Northwest through training, demonstration, and exchange of information.
Ohio Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (OPAG)
OPAG began in 1997. The club is small, with members mainly from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. New members are welcome!
Oregon Fireworks Association
Focusing on the legal aspects of pyrotechnics in Oregon.
Pennsylvania Pyrotechnic Artists
The Pyro Artists is a non-profit organization that provides its members a means to use and enjoy fireworks legally and safely, to share their experience, and to further their pyrotechnic knowledge. This is a small, personable group with most of our members living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Anyone is welcome who is interested in promoting and practicing the responsible use and enjoyment of the various forms of the pyrotechnic arts.
Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas - Texas Fire Ants (PAT)
Nicknamed The Fire Ants, PAT was formed in 1997. Presently the club offers training and state approved signoff programs in the use of professional display fireworks (1.3G), as well as family involvement with consumer fireworks (1.4G). The club is pursuing a Texas state manufacturer's license to be able to legally build fireworks. They meet 3 times a year near Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Temple, TX.
Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild
Located in Colorado.
Stumptown Shooters
A group of smoke-smellers from Iowa that will go just about anywhere to shoot fireworks.
Western New York Pyrotechnic Association (WNYPA)
WNYPA was formed in 1992. The organization is composed of shooters from various companies, distributors, manufacturers, importers, display company owners, and people who just love fireworks. Their main objectives are to teach, to learn and to have fun safely. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, usually in Orchard Park, NY. They also have 3-4 family-style fireworks picnics each year.
Western Pyrotechnic Association (WPA)
The WPA is a group of fireworks professionals and hobbyists banded together to promote the enjoyment of fireworks of all types and encourage their safe and legal use. They have two gatherings per year, the “Western WinterBlast” in Lake Havasu City, AZ over President's Day Weekend in February, and “Do-It by the River” in Jean, Nevada in October. Members are generally from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and other states all over the US.
Wisconsin Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (WPAG)
WPAG holds at least four meetings or shoots a year. All events are held at a permanent shoot location in central Wisconsin about 20 miles east of Wausau. Generally there is a business meeting in the afternoon, followed by hands-on seminars in the early evening, and concluding with several hours of open fireworks shooting after dark. The club offers shooter training using the PGI's Display Fireworks Shooter Certification course.
New Hampshire Pyrotechnics Association (NHPA)
New England Club dedicated to the safe, artful, and lawful training and use of pyrotechnics.
Northern Lighters
Pyro club in Minnesota.
Northwest Pyrotechnics Association (NPA)
Formed in late 2010, the NPA is the culmination and determination of various northwest groups/professionals, and is the sole successor to the NorthWest Pyrotechnic Arts Association (NWPAA). The purpose of the Northwest Pyrotechnics Association shall be to promote and encourage safe, legal, and artful pyrotechnic operation throughout the Northwest through training, demonstration, and exchange of information.
Ohio Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (OPAG)
OPAG began in 1997. The club is small, with members mainly from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. New members are welcome!
Oregon Fireworks Association
Focusing on the legal aspects of pyrotechnics in Oregon.
Pennsylvania Pyrotechnic Artists
The Pyro Artists is a non-profit organization that provides its members a means to use and enjoy fireworks legally and safely, to share their experience, and to further their pyrotechnic knowledge. This is a small, personable group with most of our members living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Anyone is welcome who is interested in promoting and practicing the responsible use and enjoyment of the various forms of the pyrotechnic arts.
Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas - Texas Fire Ants (PAT)
Nicknamed The Fire Ants, PAT was formed in 1997. Presently the club offers training and state approved signoff programs in the use of professional display fireworks (1.3G), as well as family involvement with consumer fireworks (1.4G). The club is pursuing a Texas state manufacturer's license to be able to legally build fireworks. They meet 3 times a year near Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Temple, TX.
Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild
Located in Colorado.
Stumptown Shooters
A group of smoke-smellers from Iowa that will go just about anywhere to shoot fireworks.
Western New York Pyrotechnic Association (WNYPA)
WNYPA was formed in 1992. The organization is composed of shooters from various companies, distributors, manufacturers, importers, display company owners, and people who just love fireworks. Their main objectives are to teach, to learn and to have fun safely. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, usually in Orchard Park, NY. They also have 3-4 family-style fireworks picnics each year.
Western Pyrotechnic Association (WPA)
The WPA is a group of fireworks professionals and hobbyists banded together to promote the enjoyment of fireworks of all types and encourage their safe and legal use. They have two gatherings per year, the “Western WinterBlast” in Lake Havasu City, AZ over President's Day Weekend in February, and “Do-It by the River” in Jean, Nevada in October. Members are generally from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and other states all over the US.
Wisconsin Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (WPAG)
WPAG holds at least four meetings or shoots a year. All events are held at a permanent shoot location in central Wisconsin about 20 miles east of Wausau. Generally there is a business meeting in the afternoon, followed by hands-on seminars in the early evening, and concluding with several hours of open fireworks shooting after dark. The club offers shooter training using the PGI's Display Fireworks Shooter Certification course.
Fireworks Organizations
American Pyrotechnics Association
The APA is the main business association of the fireworks sales industry. Members consist primarily of fireworks importers, distributors, and display companies. The APA was founded in 1948 with three principle aims: to encourage safety in the design and use of all types of fireworks; to provide industry information and support to our members; and to promote responsible regulation of the fireworks industry.
Canadian Fireworks Association
Their mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of both fireworks and pyrotechnics in Canada.
Fireworks Alliance
The Fireworks Alliance is a not-for-profit, consumer advocacy organization whose mission it is to assist Americans who are dedicated to keeping fireworks legal and preserving the tradition of fireworks for all Americans. Membership is free. Assistance is provided to members who wish to pursue legislative and regulatory change to promote the use of fireworks in the US.
National Council on Firework Safety
A non-profit organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of fireworks in the United States. The NCFS is a good reference site for fireworks statistics, fire service, and the media.
National Fireworks Association
Individuals and companies dedicated to the safe use of fireworks. Comprised largely of fireworks importers and sellers. The NFA has convention once a year.
The APA is the main business association of the fireworks sales industry. Members consist primarily of fireworks importers, distributors, and display companies. The APA was founded in 1948 with three principle aims: to encourage safety in the design and use of all types of fireworks; to provide industry information and support to our members; and to promote responsible regulation of the fireworks industry.
Canadian Fireworks Association
Their mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of both fireworks and pyrotechnics in Canada.
Fireworks Alliance
The Fireworks Alliance is a not-for-profit, consumer advocacy organization whose mission it is to assist Americans who are dedicated to keeping fireworks legal and preserving the tradition of fireworks for all Americans. Membership is free. Assistance is provided to members who wish to pursue legislative and regulatory change to promote the use of fireworks in the US.
National Council on Firework Safety
A non-profit organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of fireworks in the United States. The NCFS is a good reference site for fireworks statistics, fire service, and the media.
National Fireworks Association
Individuals and companies dedicated to the safe use of fireworks. Comprised largely of fireworks importers and sellers. The NFA has convention once a year.
Forums
Amateur Pyrotechnics and Chemistry Forum
Dedicated to spreading knowledge of pyrotechnics and related subjects through discussion and cooperation while promoting safety and responsibility.
Chemical Forums
Forum dedicated to all types of chemistry.
Passfire
An online community for the modern amateur pyrotechnic artist. This subscription based website provides in depth articles of interest to both the beginner and advanced pyrotechnist, while also providing a wealth of easy to use reference material such as a formula database, chemical dictionary, member forum and numerous interactive calculators.
Pyro Society
UK Pyrotechnics Society Forums.
Dedicated to spreading knowledge of pyrotechnics and related subjects through discussion and cooperation while promoting safety and responsibility.
Chemical Forums
Forum dedicated to all types of chemistry.
Passfire
An online community for the modern amateur pyrotechnic artist. This subscription based website provides in depth articles of interest to both the beginner and advanced pyrotechnist, while also providing a wealth of easy to use reference material such as a formula database, chemical dictionary, member forum and numerous interactive calculators.
Pyro Society
UK Pyrotechnics Society Forums.
Laws and Regulations
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives BATFE
A principal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice working directly, and through partnerships, to investigate and reduce crime involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products.
Application for Explosives License or Permit. PDF printable version of the BATFE application needed to get an explosives license or permit.
Federal Explosives Law and Regulations
Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
CPSC Summary of Fireworks Regulations 16 C.F.R. Part 1500 & 1507.
CFR 16 Part 1500: Hazardous Substances and Articles; Administration and Enforcement Regulations.
16 CFR Part 1500.17: Banned hazardous substances.
16 CFR Part 1507: Fireworks Devices.
DOT HazMat Transportation
Hazardous Materials Transportation Guides.
National Fire Protection Association
The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Certain NFPA publications are frequently referenced or integrated as key parts of US state fireworks laws.
NFPA 1123: Fireworks Display, 2006 Edition.
NFPA 1124: Code for the Manufacturing, Transportation, Storage and Retail Sale of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 Edition.
NFPA 1126: Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience.
State Fireworks Laws
Clickable map of US states. Click a state to see a summary of each state’s laws pertaining to the sale and use of consumer fireworks.
A principal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice working directly, and through partnerships, to investigate and reduce crime involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products.
Application for Explosives License or Permit. PDF printable version of the BATFE application needed to get an explosives license or permit.
Federal Explosives Law and Regulations
Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
CPSC Summary of Fireworks Regulations 16 C.F.R. Part 1500 & 1507.
CFR 16 Part 1500: Hazardous Substances and Articles; Administration and Enforcement Regulations.
16 CFR Part 1500.17: Banned hazardous substances.
16 CFR Part 1507: Fireworks Devices.
DOT HazMat Transportation
Hazardous Materials Transportation Guides.
National Fire Protection Association
The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Certain NFPA publications are frequently referenced or integrated as key parts of US state fireworks laws.
NFPA 1123: Fireworks Display, 2006 Edition.
NFPA 1124: Code for the Manufacturing, Transportation, Storage and Retail Sale of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 Edition.
NFPA 1126: Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience.
State Fireworks Laws
Clickable map of US states. Click a state to see a summary of each state’s laws pertaining to the sale and use of consumer fireworks.