You want to know whom an applicant must contact to get a permit for supervised fireworks display or a competency certificate to shoot fireworks.

SUMMARY

A person wanting a permit to conduct or sponsor a supervised fireworks display must get a permit from the state fire marshal. He must complete a Department of Public Safety (DPS) permit application, which he can get from either the state fire marshal or the local fire marshal in the town where the display will take place. He may submit the completed application to either official. An applicant for a competency certificate to shoot fireworks must complete a DPS application, which he must get from, and return to, the state fire marshal’s office.

FIREWORKS LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Permits to Conduct Supervised Fireworks Display

Permit applications for supervised fireworks displays are available from DPS in Middletown and local fire marshals’ offices statewide. An applicant for a permit must submit a completed application and a $ 35 fee to the state fire marshal or the local fire marshal in the town where the display will take place at least 15 days before the display. He must also file a $ 1,000 performance bond with the municipality’s chief executive authority (CGS §§ 29-357 & 29-358). The applicant must notify

the state fire marshal in writing of any changes in the application information at least 24 hours before the scheduled display (Conn. Agency Regs. § 29-357(b)).

The state fire marshal may issue the permit only after (1) the local fire marshal inspects the display site to determine compliance with regulations and (2) both the fire and police chiefs approve the permit application. In towns where there is no fire or police chief, the first selectman must approve it. The state fire marshal must refuse to issue a permit if any of the local officials denies the application (Conn. Agency Regs. § 29-357(b)).

The state or local fire marshal may suspend or revoke permits for violations of any law, regulation, or ordinance relating to fireworks. Conducting supervised fireworks displays without a permit carries a fine of up to $ 100, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both (CGS § 29-357(d)).

(A copy of the permit application is attached. )

Competency Certificates to Shoot Fireworks

An applicant for a certificate of competency to shoot fireworks must complete a DPS application and submit it to the state fire marshal along with a $ 50 fee and two passport type photographs taken within the last six months. The certificate is renewable every three years for $ 30. The state fire marshal may suspend or revoke it at any time for cause. He may also revoke it (1) for any violation of the regulations or (2) in instances where the holder’s conduct or condition constitutes a threat to public safety (Conn. Agency Regs. § 29-357-6b). The holder must be given notice and hearing opportunity.

Shooting fireworks without obtaining the certificate carries a fine of up to $ 100, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. (A copy of the application, which includes instructions for completing it and the qualifications and criteria for getting it, is enclosed. )

State Fire Marshal’s Office

The state fire marshal’s telephone number is (868) 685-8380. The address is:

Department of Public Safety

Division of Fire Emergency and Building Services

P. O. Box 2794

Middletown, CT 06457

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