There are two types of fireworks:

Don’t just bring fireworks to the party. Bring fireworks AND an obvious command of pyrotechnic parlance!

DOT Classification for Consumer Fireworks that do not pose a blast or fragment hazard. They do pose a moderate fire hazard. This indicates that consumer fireworks will not mass detonate.

One of the two main types of fireworks, an aerial firework is a device that is propelled up into the air. Aerial fireworks are easily distinguishable from ground fireworks by their warning label, which reads, Shoots Flaming Balls.

is an acronym for “Authority Having Jurisdiction.” It refers to the fire marshal, local police department, local fire department, or whomever is responsible for regulating and monitoring fireworks in your area.

A smaller version of a display firework shell measuring 1.75′′ or less in diameter. They are propelled out of a mortar and may have single or multiple breaks. Artillery Shells are sometimes referred to as Mortars or Reloadables.

Assortment is a loose term referring to fireworks that come pre-packaged in a box. Assortments can range from a package of different types of rockets to a mixed package of multi-shots, artillery shells, novelties, and fountains.

Rapid repetition of an aerial effect. These are often found in multi-shot cakes and roman candles.

A group of similar items grouped as a single bunch. Saturn Missile Batteries are a good example.

Also known as gunpowder, black powder is the most common material used in fireworks. It is a low explosive consisting of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal.

A small rocket attached to a thin 12′′ stick that travels into the air and typically ends with a small report. Some bottle rockets have whistle or color as well.

The part of a shell containing effects. If a shell has multiple breaks, it will have multiple bursts of effects.

A spider-like shell burst pattern, which typically has a silver tail effect and is very bright.

The release of effects by an aerial device.

A repeating aerial firework consisting of multiple shots. Cakes consist of one fuse attached to multiple tubes which fire in a sequence, launching one or more effects into the air. Cakes are often referred to as repeaters or multi-shot cakes. They may even get more specific and be referred to as 500-gram multi-shot cakes or 200-gram multi-shot cakes depending on the amount of pyrotechnic composition they contain. Also called repeater.

A spherical burst of colored stars, different from a peony, in that the stars leave a visible trail of sparks.

Classification is primarily based on powder weight and type. The US DOT assigns the classification at the time of approval. 1.4G is the DOT classification for Consumer Fireworks. It indicates they do not pose a blast or fragment hazard and that they will NOT mass detonate, but that they do pose a moderate fire hazard.

A large star that emits showers of sparks as it rises into the air. They get their name from actual comets as the showers of sparks they emit resemble comet tails.

A mixture of pyrotechnic materials containing an oxidizer, a fuel, and assorted other chemicals for color and effect.

Fountain in the shape of a cone.

Consumer Fireworks are fireworks that are specifically designed for use by the general public. They are highly regulated to ensure safety and quality and include many different types and effects. Consumer fireworks must adhere to the rules laid out by the CPSC to ensure their safety and low hazard level. For example, consumer fireworks must have an ignition source come in contact with their fuse in order for them to discharge, meaning they are heat tested and will not s imply go off because they were left in a hot car.

A cluster of very small, sharp pops like the sound of popcorn or water hitting hot oil.

A comet that contains an internal burst charge of powder that causes it to burst into several fragments, creating a cross or “X” in the sky.

A burst pattern similar to a peony, but containing fewer, larger stars.

Devices usually include parachutes, streamers, smoke and other such devices that do not let off colored light (which is best viewed after dark) as their main effect. These fireworks are more enjoyable and visible during daylight hours.

A secondary effect, delayed crackle appears in the sky after the primary effect(s). Sometimes surprising, the sky may go dark for a brief time before pockets of delayed crackle appear.

First and foremost, consumer fireworks DO NOT detonate, they ignite. A detonation is an exothermic chemical reaction in which the explosive decomposition of a substance forms an energy wave that spreads through the substance at supersonic speeds. This term is used to describe the reaction achieved in High Explosives, 1.1G.

Display Fireworks, sometimes known as Commercial Fireworks, are professional fireworks regulated by the BATFE. They require a special license to buy, store, and use. These fireworks are commonly seen in large displays, such as an Aquatennial. Display fireworks should only be used by trained pyrotechnicians. They are also known by the DOT classifications of 1.3G or 1.1G.

A large, egg-shaped burst of crackle in an aerial device. There is very little color and it differs from delayed crackle as it is the primary effect.

The desired result. Fireworks have four primary effects: light, noise, smoke, and floating materials (think confetti). The following are examples of effects: chrysanthemum, fish, tails, falling leaves, glitter, etc.

A device used for the electrical ignition of fireworks by pyrotechnicians. These are often used at big displays and for pyromusicals. Electric Igniters consists of two lead wires connected to each other by a small filament. When a current passes through the igniter, the filament heats up and ignites, eventually igniting the fuse.

A substance that has the potential to undergo rapid chemical decomposition, producing light, heat and large volumes of gas.

A quieter aerial effect that consists of glowing embers that tumble slowly in the air, flickering back and forth as they fall. Their motion mimics that of falling leaves.

An area in which debris may fall to the earth.

The last portion of a firework display or individual firework. In the finale of a fireworks show, fireworks are ignited in large quantities to create an intense display. The finale of an individual firework is usually multiple tubes fused to ignite concurrently creating a larger final display in the sky.

A small, rolled paper tube containing powder, typically braided by their fuses into long strings. When the fuse is lit, the flame travels to the inside of the firecracker and ignites the powder, which causes it to undergo a small explosion. This small explosion creates the signature “bang” associated with firecrackers. In the United States, firecrackers can only contain 50 mg of powder. Regulatory tests have proven that one of today’s legal firecrackers does not contain enough powder to break skin.

Blinking gold and silver light. It may be part of a tail or a star.

A combustible that, when ignited, creates visible and audible effects for entertainment purposes. In the United States, fireworks are divided into two groups: those that can be purchased by the general public, known as Consumer Fireworks, and those that can only be used by professional pyrotechnicians, known as Display Fireworks.

Commonly called 'flying fish,' fish are a type of effect that looks very much like a school of fish darting around the sky. The effect is created using small bits of fast-burning fuse that propel themselves through the air when ignited. Fish do not have engines for propulsion.

A tube containing pyrotechnic material that burns slowly with a bright, colored flame.

A ground spinner with wings. Once ignited a flying item will spin on the ground before it travels up into the air. Flying items are sometimes called Helicopters.

A ground firework that sprays sparks upwards. They are easily distinguished from aerial fireworks by their warning label, which reads “Emits showers of sparks.” Fountains are considered a “Safe & Sane firework” and are also known as gerbs.

An item resembling a string or wire that is used to ignite a fireworks device.

A wheel mounted horizontally that spins quickly enough to cause it to lift off and rise up into the sky. Girandolas usually end with a burst or report and are sometimes referred to as Flying Saucers.

A tail effect consisting of bright flashes of light and small explosive bursts. It lasts several seconds.

A self-propelled star that flies around randomly in the air. Unlike fish, go-getters have their own engines for propulsion.

An item that spins on the ground, but does not fly up into the air. Jumping Jacks are an example of a ground spinner.

According to the DOT a Hazardous Material is defined as any substance or material that could adversely affect the safety of the public, handlers or carriers. Fireworks are considered Hazardous Material and are to be treated as such.

HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene, which is a strong plastic pipe commonly used for mortars.

An Illegal Explosive Device (IED) is a broad term that encompasses any explosive item sold to or made by the general public that is over the legal limit of powder or has been deemed illegal by local, state or federal laws; this includes unlicensed individuals homemade devices, M-80’s, Cherry Bombs, Silver Salutes, and any legal firework device that is modified in any way by an untrained individual. Often, these types of items are mistakenly called fireworks. They are NOT fireworks, they are IED’s. If you find or know about an IED you should not go near it, you should keep people clear and contact the proper authorities immediately.

An Illegal Firework is a broad term that encompasses any explosive item sold to the general public that has been deemed illegal by local, state or federal laws; this includes the sale of Display Fireworks to unlicensed and untrained individuals. If you are caught with Illegal Fireworks you could face heavy fines and/or jail time. For local laws regarding fireworks contact your AHJ.

Small tubes fused together in packs. When lit, they spin or “hop” around on the ground with red and green flames. Jumping Jacks look strikingly similar to firecrackers.

A silent, secondary effect made up of small fine pockets of glitter. Commonly red or gold.

A firecracker that is smaller in size and tightly packed.

A lift charge is located beneath a shell and is used to propel the device into the sky.

Contrary to popular belief, the M-80 is not a firework. It is an Illegal Explosive Device and a High Explosive (1.1G). They were originally created by the military for use as a grenade and gunfire simulator. M-80’s were later sold to the general public as a loud and powerful firecracker. The M-80 was banned in 1966 by the CPSC as part of the Child Protection Act, because of the amount of serious injuries they caused.

A ground level eruption or burst of effect in an upwards spray.

A misfire occurs when the fuse of a shell burns into the device, but it fails to ignite the device.

A type of stickless rocket that uses fins, not a stick, for guidance.

A tube from which aerial fireworks are ejected. Consumer firework mortars are made from specialized cardboard, high density polyethylene or fiberglass. Artillery Shells are sometimes referred to as Mortars.

A wooden or metal frame that may house one or more mortars. Also called racks.

A shell with multiple compartments that burst separately.

A multi-tubed device containing no more than 200 grams of composition.

A multi-tubed device containing no more than 500 grams of composition.

See Cake

An especially dense burst of glittering silver or gold stars that leave a heavy glitter trail and shine brightly.

One of the two main types of fireworks, non-aerial fireworks are devices that do not leave the ground. They may be easily distinguishable from aerial fireworks by their warning label, which reads, Emits showers of sparks. Also called ground fireworks.

A small device shaped like an animal, vehicle or other structure. Novelties may emit small sprays of sparks, crackle, whistle, and often move around the ground on wheels.

A comet shell that begins with a thick tail of sparks as it travels into the sky and then breaks into several branches of sparks. It looks very much like an actual palm tree.

An effect that releases a single or multiple parachutes upon bursting. Parachutes come in both daytime and night varieties.

A single color star launched from the ground.

A somewhat symmetrical break of stars without tails that travel outward before beginning to droop downward.

A ball of stars in the center of another ball of stars. Another way to describe this effect is the smaller burst inside a larger burst.

Polyvinyl Chloride is a plastic pipe that should NEVER be used for mortars. It can shatter creating shrapnel.

A stick of compressed sawdust that burns quite slowly. It can be used for igniting Consumer Fireworks.

From the Greek word meaning “fire.” It is often used to describe a pyrotechnic enthusiast.

Items or devices that burn in order to perform their function. Fireworks are pyrotechnics.

A highly trained individual who builds and/or discharges fireworks.

A brocade effect where a large amount of glitter is released all at once.

See Artillery Shell

A loud bang. Reports are not salutes.

A burst pattern that resembles a ring.

Effects that are released by a shell during its ascent. Tails, whistle, and crackle are examples of possible rising effects.

A type of aerial firework that is often mounted on a stick and propelled by a rocket engine into the air where it bursts. There are several types of rockets: sky rockets, bottle rockets, and missiles.

A tube-shaped device that ejects a series of stars into the air. Roman candles are not meant to be held in your hand. They should be secured in the ground, or something like a bucket of sand, aimed in a safe direction, and then ignited.

Safe & Sane refers to Consumer Fireworks that do not have report or contain aerial effects.

A slow burning fuse used to make fireworks. It is usually green in color.

A loud, colorless boom. A salute is not a report. Salutes are illegal in consumer fireworks.

A self-propelled star with a tail often described as looking like a snake in the sky.

A cartridge containing pyrotechnic elements that is propelled into the air from a mortar.

The number of effects that burst in a fireworks device.

A pyrotechnic device made out of a paper tube that propels itself into the air in order to fly. Sky rockets generally have a stick to add stability to their flight. Sky rockets are larger in size than bottle rockets.

Technically speaking, smoke is a dispersion of fine solid particles in the air usually resulting from incomplete combustion. In fireworks, smoke may be white or colored and is used to create or add to many effects.

A device that generates smoke as a primary effect, such as smoke balls. Often best viewed in the daytime.

A small black pellet that, when lit, burns slowly to produce an elongated column of ash resembling a snake.

Paper balls filled with a cap composition that emits a sharp “bang” upon impact. Commonly called bang snaps.

A tiny particle that emits light as it is ejected from a burning composition.

A bamboo or metal stick coated in a pyrotechnic composition that give off sparks while burning.

A type of star that spins in the sky and gives off large quantities of white light. A tourbillion is a type of spinner.

A small capsule that emits light and sparks as it burns. Stars are a building block for many effects, such as the peony or chrysanthemum. A singular star launched from the ground is referred to as a Pearl. Star is also often immediately preceded by the word 'rock' to describe our staff!

A blinking effect composed of extremely bright stars that flash repeatedly.

A burning trail that follows a star in the sky. Comets have tails. Willow and brocade effects are examples of tails.

A thick, slow-burning fuse used to create time delays in aerial shells.

An effect created by large, slow-burning stars within a shell that leave a trail of large glittering sparks behind and make a sizzling noise.

A type of star that spins in the sky and gives off large quantities of gold, silver, or white light. Tourbillions are a type of spinner.

An intense barrage of shells or rockets.

Similar to a 'horse tail,' a waterfall is a thick clump of glitter that, after bursting, continues to arc upwards for a short time before cascading downward giving it the appearance of a waterfall or horse tail.

A device propelled by drivers to spin rapidly. They usually emit sparks, whistles, color, and other effects.

A high-pitched shriek caused by the movement of air through a partly hollow tube. Not all whistles sound the same.

Falling trails of sparks that may last up to 10 seconds and are often described as looking like willow trees.