Kansas State Fire Marshal

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.
Pay a fee of $40.

The three display shoots must take place before the applicant will be allowed to sit for the exam.

Fireworks and Explosives Licensing
Fireworks
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.
Obtaining a Fireworks Display Operator's License
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 legilsature that created a fee for our display operator license. As a result of these new statutory changes, we have updated our agency regulations concerning these fireworks.
New Regulations Application - Display (New) - $40 fee Application - Display (Renewal) - $40 fee Application - Distributor - $300 fee Application - Hobbyist Manufacturer - $50 fee Application - Manufacturer - $400 fee Application - Proximate Pyro (New) - $40 fee Application - Proximate Pyro (Renewal) - $40 fee Application - Storage - $25 fee
Renewing a Display Operator's License
The requirements for renewing a Display Operator's License are as follows: No felony convictions Criminal history check will be done Applicant must have conducted three fireworks displays within the past four years while holding a valid license. Signatures from local jurisdictions or organizations sponsoring the display are required on the renewal form. Applicant must pass a written examination administered by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office by receiving a score of 80% or above. Pay a fee of $40 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.
*Testing*
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 or visit their website at http://catalog.nfpa.org. The exam must be administered by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office; applicants cannot take the test at their local fire department. To set up an examination or to have any questions answered, please call the Investigation Division - Explosives Unit at (785) 296-0154.
NFPA 1123 Online
Fireworks Safety Tips
Inspection Checklist for Fireworks Stands
Fireworks Regulations
Law Enforcement & Fire Department Memorandum
2008 Fireworks Injury Statistics
Explosives
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
The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted NFPA 495 Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Use of Explosive Materials (2006 Edition).
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.

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