Scott Allen
Chief of Police
153 Central St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
East Bridgewater Fire Department
Chief Timothy M. Harhen
268 Bedford St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
For Immediate Release
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-791-7627
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Joint Release* East Bridgewater Police and Fire Caution Residents Against Using Fireworks this Weekend
EAST BRIDGEWATER — As the Fourth of July weekend begins, Police Chief Scott Allen and Fire Chief Timothy M. Harhen are reminding residents that all use of fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.
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.
Any residents found in possession of fireworks risk immediate confiscation and a fine of up to $100.
“We’re asking all residents to be safe and smart this weekend,” Chief Allen said. “In addition, we would encourage anyone that wants to see professional fireworks to attend the Bridgewater Fireworks at Legion Field on Monday night. This display is a longstanding tradition that serves all three Bridgewater communities.”
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.
“East Bridgewater is currently in a drought,” Chief Harhen said. “If one firework spark lands in the wrong place, it could cause a serious fire. Please be mindful of your own safety, as well as the safety of loved ones, as you celebrate this weekend.”
This doesn’t mean citizens cannot enjoy fireworks displays this holiday weekend and in the future. However, Chief Allen and Chief Harhen recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by licensed professionals 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 states 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 in a statement. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to spend the holiday than the emergency room.”
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