For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police, Fire Remind Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

WEST NEWBURY — As the holiday weekend approaches, Police Chief Art Reed and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer remind residents that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, and encourage the community to comply with state fireworks laws.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Citizens are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and then transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“We are urging residents to leave the fireworks displays up to the professionals. If you are caught with fireworks, police can and will confiscate them,” Chief Reed said. “You could also receive a fine of up to $100.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2006-2015, there were 775 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $1.8 million.

“Fireworks are not safe for use by those other than licensed professionals,” Chief Dwyer said. “If handled incorrectly, they can cause serious injury and harm to those in the vicinity. Please keep this in mind as you plan for the Fourth of July.”

Chief Reed and Chief Dwyer recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety for all.

Residents should also remember to:

• Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
• Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
• Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
• Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2006-2015 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

“Fire officials across the state urge everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many public displays supervised by local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to the spend the holiday than the emergency room.”

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