For many, fireworks are the literal highlight of the 4th of July celebrations. We wrap up a day of cooking, music and summer fun, celebrating the birth of our nation with a literal bang.
We all know the hassle of getting there early to get the best seats, getting some friends and family into the car, and waiting for hours in the summer heat. Knowing all this, you might be wondering: why not just have your own fireworks show in your backyard?
If you’re asking that question, it means it’s time for a new 4th of July tradition, folks – the annual reminder that fireworks are illegal in the state of Massachusetts.
No, you cannot purchase fireworks out of state and bring them into Massachusetts
State law prohibits the possession, use and sale of fireworks without a permit and certification. This applies to fireworks purchased legally in another state.
Even if you drove across the New Hampshire border with your friends and brought them back here, you own it. So no, that was never a loophole.
There will be professional fireworks shows happening all over the state all summer long, so even if you can’t find a good viewing spot on Uncle Sam’s birthday, there will be plenty of just as good ones coming up even in the next few days. . There are 30 fireworks shows in Massachusetts from July 5 to 7 alone, with more than 100 planned through the end of summer.
What are the possible penalties for setting off fireworks in Massachusetts?
If you are caught with fireworks by a law officer, you can be fined $10 to $100, and the officer is required to confiscate the fireworks, according to the State Fire Marshall. An officer cannot be arrested for possessing fireworks.
Selling fireworks carries harsher penalties: a fine of $100 to $1,000 and up to one year in prison.
Is Massachusetts the only state that bans fireworks?
Yes, Massachusetts is the only state with a total ban on fireworks. Fireworks were banned in 1943 as a World War II measure.
Other states, such as Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and New York, partially ban fireworks. They only allow the sale and use of fireworks that are non-aerial and non-explosive. And just over half of all states, including New Hampshire and Maine, allow the majority of consumer fireworks.
How many fireworks accidents have there been in Massachusetts?
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Safety, there have been more than 500 fires and explosions in the past five years, seven firefighters have been injured in these incidents and more than 200 people have been treated for burns and other injuries from illegal fireworks. .
In fact, in June 2022, Massachusetts ranked 20th in fireworks injuries during the summer. Total damage from 2019 to 2023 was estimated at more than $1.5 million.
Sparklers are banned in Massachusetts
Fun Fact: Sparklers burn at temperatures over 1800° Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the melting point of aluminum.
So does it sound like a good idea to give a six-year-old a toy that can melt metal?
Sparklers are classified as ‘fireworks’ and are responsible for the majority of fireworks-related injuries among young children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said, “There were an estimated 1,600 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks and 900 with sparklers in 2020.” This accounted for almost 10% of all fireworks-related injuries that year. Of those 900 sparkler injuries, 44% were in children under 5 years of age.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Fireworks Massachusetts: What laws you need to know before the 4th of July
