Vermont State Law only allows for the legal use, possession, and sale of fireworks after a permit is issued. Applications for fireworks permits must submitted to the chief of a local fire department at least 15 days before a display. Permits are available on the website for the Vermont Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety: http://firesafety.vermont.gov/pubed/media/sparklers (use the link for “Sample Municipal Fireworks Display Permit”).
In addition to State law, the Essex fireworks policy has the following terms and conditions:
- Applicant must be physically present during the fireworks display;
- A request will not be approved unless the display is being put on by a licensed and insured pyrotechnics person/company;
- Applicant must call the Essex Police Dispatch Center at 878-8331 no less than 30 minutes before the display to ensure that the permit is still authorized (permits may be cancelled due to weather or other conditions without warning);
- Applicant must advertise via the Essex Reporter - at least two weeks prior to the event to allow time for people to object to the permit being issued - that they will be hosting a display and provide the exact date and time of the display.
Following the appropriate permit process shows respect for neighbors and helps ensure the safety of the community.
For more information, please contact the Essex Fire Department at 802-878-5308.