Are Fireworks Legal in Alaska?
Technically yes at the state level, but practically it depends entirely on where you live. Alaska state law permits the sale and use of consumer fireworks — called "salable fireworks" in the statute — but gives cities and boroughs broad authority to ban or restrict them. The result is a patchwork where fireworks are completely illegal in the state's largest city and heavily restricted in most other populated areas.
What State Law Allows
Under Alaska Statute 18.72, consumer fireworks including Roman candles, skyrockets, helicopter rockets, fountains, wheels, torches, dipped sticks, mines and shells, firecrackers with soft casings, and novelties are all legal at the state level. The state draws the line at "dangerous fireworks," which cannot be sold at retail for personal use. Dangerous fireworks are limited to industrial, agricultural, wildlife control, and professionally permitted public displays.
Alaska requires annual wholesale and retail licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal. Wholesale licenses cost $50 per year, and retail licenses run $10 every two years.
Where It Gets Complicated
State law explicitly allows municipalities to impose stricter rules, and most do. Here is a sampling of what you are dealing with:
- Anchorage: All fireworks are illegal every day of the year — including sparklers and bottle rockets. Possession, sale, and use are all prohibited, with fines up to $300.
- Mat-Su Borough: Generally banned, with limited exceptions in certain areas on December 31 and January 1 when fire danger is low.
- Kenai Peninsula Borough: Fireworks are generally prohibited, though some cities within the borough set their own rules. Homer bans them outright. Soldotna requires a permit. Kenai allows limited use around New Year's with hour restrictions.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough: Subject to seasonal suspension — the borough mayor can ban fireworks during elevated fire danger, which happened during the summer of 2025.
- Palmer: Illegal within city limits except under certain restrictions from December 1 through January 31.
- Houston: One of the few Southcentral communities that allows fireworks under certain conditions.
Federal Land Restrictions
Fireworks are banned on federal land during fire season, which runs from April 1 through August 31. Given how much of Alaska is federal land, this is a significant restriction during the summer months when most people want to celebrate.
Age and Penalties
Alaska does not set a statewide minimum purchase age for consumer fireworks, though individual retailers and municipalities may. Violations of state fireworks law are classified as a Class B misdemeanor, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense. Municipal penalties vary — Anchorage's $300 fine is on the lower end compared to what some jurisdictions impose.
Where to Buy
Retail fireworks availability in Alaska is extremely limited due to local bans. Gorilla Fireworks, located in Houston, is the only fireworks store in the Southcentral region. Shipping fireworks by freight to Alaska is difficult; most major online retailers either refuse to ship to the state or only offer ground-shippable items.
Local tip: Never assume the rules you knew last year still apply. Borough mayors can suspend fireworks use with short notice based on fire conditions, especially in summer. Check your borough's website or call the local fire department the day you plan to celebrate.