For Fourth of July, Leave Fireworks to the Pros

As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Police Chief Richard Flannery, Fire Chief Ken Clark, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and Det. Lt. Jeanne Stewart, Commander of the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section are reminding people that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. 

Fireworks are illegal because they are dangerous, especially to teens, the safety officials said in a press release.

"Every year the fire department deals with fireworks-related incidents of varying severity," Hopkinton Fire Chief Ken Clark said.

He urges residents to, "Take care and enjoy the Fourth!"

According to the release from local and state officials, 65 percent of those burned by fireworks are under 18. Twenty-three percent are ages 10 to 14.

We encourage residents to enjoy supervised, professional displays and leave fireworks to the professionals, Flannery said.

On July 4 weekend last year, a 24-year-old Springfield man, 41-year-old Mansfield man and 7-year-old Marshfield boy received burns significant enough to require hospital treatment.

Three homeowner-fireworks incidents over the Fourth of July weekend last year in Canton, Norwood and Saugus caused $22,000 in property damage - not always to the fireworks' user's property - but no personal injuries, according to the fire marshal's office.

In August, 160 Boston and neighboring-community firefighters put themselves at risk to put out a warehouse fire started by people using fireworks. Damage was $1 million.

For those wishing to see professional fireworks:

The town of Harvard will have fireworks July 1, Friday night (rain date July 8). Parking will be available at the Fruitlands Museum for $10 to support the Harvard 4th of July Committee. 

July 3 fireworks at Old Sturbridge Village have been cancelled.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade will be July 4 at 10:30 p.m. The pops concert starts at 8:30.

Marblehead's July 4 Fireworks  are scheduled to start with The Harbor Illumination at 8:45  p.m. Flares will be lit around the perimeter of Marblehead Harbor, creating a ring of light that sets the stage. At 9, the fireworks are launched off a barge at the harbor mouth. 

Fireworks displays in close neighboring towns have ended in recent years because of safety reasons, budget cuts and business and residential development in former open areas that were used to launch the displays.

The legal penalties for fireworks use are not severe - a small fine and confiscation. The personal penalties - for users or safety officials dealing with the aftermath of fireworks accidents - can be devastating.