In order to shoot commercial (Class B or DOT 1.3) fireworks, you must hold a valid Display Operator's License issued by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office. This license is valid for four years and there are renewal requirements.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office has implemented some major changes beginning January 1, 2008. In partnership with the Kansas Fireworks Association, a bill was passed through the state legislature that created a fee for our display operator license. As a result of these new statutory changes, we are also updating our agency regulations regarding fireworks. This will be posted on our website upon completion. We are accepting applications and allowing testing however no license will be issued until our regulations are final. Once those regulations are final, we will then request the fee and upon receipt will issue your license. PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY WITH YOUR APPLICATION. You will be notified when to remit payment. We have completed regional testing for Spring 2008. You can still take the test at the Topeka Office M-F 9AM – 2PM. You must submit your application and receive approval to test first. We then will need two business days notice to arrange a time to take the test. Any questions contact Rachel Soden, 785-296-0154.

The requirements for obtaining a Display Operator's License are as follows:

• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age
• No felony convictions
• Criminal history check will be done
• Applicant must assist with 3 displays within 4 years under a display operator who has a valid Kansas license at the time of the displays. The licensed display operator must sign off on the displays, and license status at the time of the shoots will be double-checked.
• Applicant must pass a written examination administered by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office by receiving a score of 80% or above.

The requirements for renewing a Display Operator's License are as follows:

In order to renew your Display Operator's License, you must have conducted three fireworks displays within the past four years while your license was valid. You must have written verification from the local jurisdiction or organization sponsoring the display that these shoots occurred.

The written test for new and renewing applicants is open book and based on NFPA 1123. Copies of NFPA 1123 will be provided the day of the exam for test purposes only. No copies will be allowed to leave the test site. If you would like a copy for personal use, you may contact the National Fire Protection Association at (800) 344-3555. The exam must be administered by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office; applicants cannot take the test at their local fire department.

Test dates for various locations around Kansas in 2006 will be announced in early Spring. The exam can always be taken in the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office, located in Topeka, with two days advance notice.

To set up an examination or to have any questions answered, please call the Investigation Division - Explosives Unit at (785) 296-0154.

A permit from the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office is required for the use and storage of all explosives, regardless of purpose. Three types of explosive permits are offered by this office: Permit to Use, Permit to Blast, and Permit to Store Explosives.

A Permit to Use Explosives is required for any individual or organization (company, corporation, business, etc.) that wishes to use explosives. A Permit to Blast Explosives is required for any individual actually handling the explosives. A Permit to Store Explosives is required for the specific site explosives will be stored. A copy of the Storage License Application MUST go to the local jurisdiction as well as to KSFM office.

Application for Permit to Use Explosives
Application for Permit to Blast
Application for Explosive Storage Site Permit

To procure relevant portions of NFPA 495, to obtain application forms, to schedule a site visit, or to find out which permits you or your organization need, please contact the Investigation Division at (785) 296-0154.