Chief Gary F. Sullivan
46 Lothrop St.
North Easton, MA 02356
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Easton Police Remind Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts
EASTON — With the Fourth of July only eight days away, Chief Gary F. Sullivan and the Easton Police Department wish to remind residents that fireworks are prohibited in Massachusetts.
It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in the state, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely labeled “safe and sane fireworks.”
Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Massachusetts residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.
Additionally, while officials 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.
This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. Chief Sullivan recommends that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.
“Fireworks of all kind, even if they are small and seem harmless, are illegal in Massachusetts and will be confiscated if found,” Chief Sullivan said. “We know that fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, so if you wish to view a display, please attend one put on by a licensed professional and at a safe distance.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2007-2016, there were 826 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, five fire service injuries and an estimated loss of $1.8 million.
Additionally, 51 percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2007-2016 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.
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 and could easily cause severe burns and injuries
In addition to injuries, the sound created by fireworks exploding can cause stress, which can be experienced by people who may be sensitive to loud noises, such as the elderly and veterans who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Pets can also react negatively to the sound created by fireworks.
Anyone who has questions about fireworks or fireworks safety should contact the Easton Police Department at 508-230-3322.
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