The OSFM operates a statewide Bomb Squad staffed by Deputy State Fire Marshals (DSFM). The bomb squad responds to emergency calls for found explosives and suspected packages. Should the investigation reveal that a crime has or is occurring the responding DSFM Bomb Technician will continue with the case. The DSFM Bomb Technician normally is responsible for all aspects of the investigation including scene examination, evidence collection, photography, interview & interrogation, and effecting an arrest when appropriate.
They also provide special events standby and regulate the explosive and fireworks industries within the state. The Bomb Squad is supplemented by other DSFM's who are assigned to regional offices and are cross-trained for fire investigation, bomb squad, and code enforcement responsibilities.
The OSFM Bomb Squad also operates an explosive detection canine program. These canines are certified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). Additionally, a new maritime explosive response team has been created which provides the OSFM Bomb Squad with the ability to respond to and manage explosive incidents in or around Maryland's waterways and shipping industry. DSFM Bomb Technicians assigned to the maritime explosive response team receive advanced training in underwater diving, boating, and tactical operations.
Regulation includes the issuance and renewal of firework shooters, explosive blasters, explosive manufacturing, and explosive sales throughout Maryland. Applications for these licenses can be found in the below document section. DSFM's assigned to the Bomb Squad also conduct field inspection of explosive storage facilities and the monitoring and field inspection of explosive use. Additionally, all public firework displays applications are reviewed and approved by the Bomb Squad command.
Firework and Explosives Licensing and Permits
Title of Application |
Application for Public Firework Display |
Description |
This application permits the discharge of display fireworks for a public or private show. All applications must be submitted by a Maryland-certified fireworks company on behalf of the sponsor.
Display fireworks are defined as large fireworks devices that are explosive materials intended for use in fireworks displays and designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation as defined in NFPA 1123, 2018.
A list of approved certified Maryland fireworks companies can be found at the bottom of this page.
The Maryland-certified fireworks company will ensure the application and all required documents are provided prior to submission. The applications must be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction for site survey and approval prior to the final permitting by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
An application must be submitted for each requested fireworks showing. |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail, in person, or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Once the certified fireworks company has applied for the OSFM, please allow 3-5 business days to review the application. If there are any corrections to the application, the OSFM will make contact with the certified fireworks company applying.
Please note the applications must be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to final approval, depending on the AHJ will depend on the amount of time final approval and permits to be issued. This process may take up to 30 days. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
Please allow 10-30 days for final approval once the application is submitted to the OSFM. |
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20004%20Fireworks%20Display%20Application.pdf |
Title of Application |
Distributors or Wholesalers of Ground Based Sparklers |
Description |
This registration provides distributors and wholesalers the ability to sell approved sparklers, ground-based sparklers, and novelty items to the public.
Applications must be submitted for renewals on an annual basis.
A list of sale locations and products being sold must accompany all applications.
All applications must be notarized prior to submittal |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Please allow 3-5 days for the review of the application. If there are any corrections to the application needed, the OSFM will make contact with the company applying. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
Please allow up to 30 days for final approval once the application is completed and submitted. |
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20040%20Registration%20of%20Sparklers%20Ground%20Based%20Sparklers%20and%20Novelty%20Items%20Application.pdf |
Title of Application |
Firework Shooter Licenses |
Description |
Firework shooter licenses are issued to those persons who have obtained certified training as established by NFPA 1123 (2018) and have successfully completed the Office of the State Fire Marshal fireworks shooters examination. This license provides the ability to perform the actual ignition of the fireworks, either by manual or electrical means.
These licenses must be renewed every three (3) years. Only new applicants must successfully complete an examination provided by the OSFM.
All applicants must be 21 years or older. |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Please allow 3-5 days for the review of the application. If there are any corrections to the application needed, the OSFM will make contact with the company applying. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
Final issuance of the license will depend on the time to successfully complete the examination, however, most licenses are issued within 30 days of the final application being submitted.
For renewal applications please allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance. |
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20005%20Firework%20Shooter%20Testing%20And%20Permit%20Application.pdf |
Title of Application |
Explosive Licenses (retail, wholesale, dealer, possess, store) |
Description |
This license allows an approved company to resale, deal, possess, and store explosives within the state of Maryland.
All applications must be accompanied by a background and fingerprint check conducted by the Federal Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) required by the Safe Explosive Act 2002.
Maryland Law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to conduct a criminal records check of any person who requests a license to possess, sell or use explosives of any kind in the State of Maryland. Fingerprint submissions will only be accepted electronically. Please contact our office at 410-859-7152 and we will provide the applicant the “Livescan Pre-Registration” application along with the list of “Fingerprint Services” in Maryland.
These licenses must be renewed every three (3) years. |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Please allow 3-5 days for the review of the application. If there are any corrections to the application needed, the OSFM will make contact with the company applying. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
An inspection of the magazines must be conducted prior to the final issuance of this license. Please allow up to 30 days for final issuance of this license.
For renewal applications please allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance. |
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20006%20Explosive%20Dealer%20Application.pdf |
Title of Application |
Explosive Licenses (manufacturer) |
Description |
This license allows an approved company to manufacture explosives within the state of Maryland.
All applications must be accompanied by a background and fingerprint check conducted by the Federal Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) required by the Safe Explosive Act 2002.
Maryland Law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to conduct a criminal records check of any person who requests a license to possess, sell or use explosives of any kind in the State of Maryland. Fingerprint submissions will only be accepted electronically. Please contact our office at 410-859-7152 and we will provide the applicant the “Livescan Pre-Registration” application along with the list of “Fingerprint Services” in Maryland.
These licenses must be renewed every three (3) years. |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Please allow 3-5 days for the review of the application. If there are any corrections to the application needed, the OSFM will make contact with the company applying. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
An inspection of the magazines must be conducted prior to the final issuance of this license. Please allow up to 30 days for final issuance of this license.
For renewal applications please allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance. |
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20008%20Explosive%20Manufacturing%20Application.pdf |
Title of Application |
Explosive Licenses - Blasters Permit |
Description |
This license qualifies an individual load and fire a blast in the state of Maryland.
All applications must be accompanied by a background and fingerprint check conducted by the Federal Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) required by the Safe Explosive Act 2002.
Maryland Law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to conduct a criminal records check of any person who requests a license to possess, sell or use explosives of any kind in the State of Maryland. Fingerprint submissions will only be accepted electronically. Please contact our office at 410-859-7152 and we will provide the applicant the “Livescan Pre-Registration” application along with the list of “Fingerprint Services” in Maryland.
These licenses must be renewed every three (3) years.
All applicants must be 21 years or older. |
How applications can be received |
Applications sent by the certified fireworks company may be submitted via U.S. Mail or by E-Mail, all information is provided on the application form. |
Time to complete the application |
The time to complete the application ranges from 5 to 60 minutes. |
Time to review applications |
Please allow 3-5 days for the review of the application. If there are any corrections to the application needed, the OSFM will make contact with the company applying. |
Time to issue permit/ license |
New: Final issuance of the license will depend on the time to successfully complete the examination, however, most licenses are issued within 30 days of the final application being submitted.
Renewal: Please allow 10 to 30 days for final issuance.
|
Link to application |
https://mdsp.maryland.gov/firemarshal/Documents/DSP-SFMP%20039%20Blasters%20Permit%20and%20Testing%20Application.pdf |
Maryland Public Firework Permit Display List:
Public Firework Permit Display List
Important - Please note that our public firework permit display list is typically updated monthly. It may be updated more frequently during peak periods throughout the year.
Fireworks Safety & Use
Be aware, be safe, be responsible, and be prepared!
Did you know that not all fireworks are legal for use in the state of Maryland? You should purchase fireworks from the same location where you intend to use them. This informational flyer provides more information on how to tell if a certain firework is approved for use in Maryland.
Fireworks Labels Flyer
Download this informational flyer for more information on safe fireworks usage in the state of Maryland.
Fireworks Safety Flyer
Approved ground-based sparkling devices approved for sale and use within the state of Maryland.
Approved Ground-Based Sparkling Devices
