Summer in New Hampshire is synonymous to some residents with bonfires, camping, and—of course—fireworks. For years, New Hampshire has been the most liberal state in the Northeast with regards to access of residents and visitors to fireworks. But what “fireworks” are permitted for use on New Hampshire properties according to the law? And under what conditions may those fireworks be used?
As of May 2018, the New Hampshire legislature permits the following fireworks for purchase, possession, and use: cylindrical fountains; cone fountains; ground spinners; helicopters/aerial spinners; roman candles; mines/cakes/shells; reloadable mortars; parachutes; firecrackers; novelties (including party poppers, snaps, and snakes); smoke devices containing less than 100g of pyrotechnic composition; bottle/sky rockets/ missiles; and sparklers. Explosives not explicitly named in the above-described list are considered “illegal explosive devices.”
Permitted fireworks may be purchased, possessed, and used by individuals at least 21 years old, so long as the fireworks are used exclusively on land owned by the firework user or in the presence of the land owner (or with the landowner’s written permission) and in compliance with local ordinances. Please note that while the New Hampshire state legislature recognizes the legality of certain fireworks, municipalities are permitted to ban fireworks under town ordinances and regulations. At least eighteen (18) municipalities prohibit and/or restrict fireworks, including Nashua and Berlin- so please check all local regulations prior to obtaining and/or using fireworks.