Fireworks Facts
From the Minneapolis Police Department
Certain types of fireworks became legal in Minnesota in April 2002. With warmer weather and an increase of complaints from residents about fireworks, the Minneapolis Police Department wants you to know the facts–click on ‘read more’ for what’s legal, what’s still illegal, police response, and more…
What’s legal? Minnesota law now permits the sale, possession and use of some non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks. Examples include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items like snakes and party poppers. (These consumer fireworks may not be used on public property such as roads, alleys, schools, and parks. Purchasers of these fireworks must be at least 18 years old. Sale, possession and use may occur at any time during the year. Fireworks can only be sold from inside a permanent structure. Merchants selling fireworks from any location other than a permanent structure are in a violation of a city ordinance.)
What’s still illegal? The law still prohibits explosive and aerial fireworks for public sale, possession and use. Examples of illegal fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells—any fireworks that are explosive and aerial.
Please comply with the fireworks law! Be a considerate neighbor! Shooting off fireworks can be extremely frustrating for neighbors, especially when homes are close to each other, people are trying to sleep, and pets are frightened. Fireworks can also be very dangerous.
911 will take calls about illegal fireworks; however, fireworks complaints are most prevalent on summer nights, when the police are most busy. Please provide the exact address and some kind of a description of the person(s) setting off the fireworks. Because of the volume of calls over the 4th of July holiday, the 911 dispatcher will put out general info to the squads, but will not dispatch a specific car, except in situations where a fire hazard or a direct threat to personal safety is present. This is to assure that the police officers can respond to more serious crimes in progress. When prioritizing 911 calls, calls about fireworks will take a longer response. Please be patient.
The Minneapolis Police Department asks that you enjoy your celebration with only legal fireworks—those that are non-explosive and non-aerial.
Specific fireworks questions should be directed to the State Fire Marshal Division by e-mail to or by calling (651) 201-7200.
Additional information is available at www.fire.state.mn.us
For questions, contact:
Tom Thompson, Crime Prevention Specialist 
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct 
(612) 673-2823