When It Comes to Fireworks Safety, 'Bottom Line, They're Illegal'

Massachusetts has a history of fantastic Fourth of July celebrations, but, unfortunately, it also has a history of people getting hurt who attempt their own fireworks celebrations.

“Bottom line: they’re illegal,” Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliiland sald. “There’s a record of personal injury throughout the state every year; people losing digits, getting burned, losing an eye. There’s a record every year of some kind of property damage whether structure fires or car fires. It’s all a burden on the community.”

Gilliland added that items such as sparklers and smoke bombs are considered fireworks and only professionals are allowed to use them.

According to a press release from the state fire marshal’s office, 60 percent of fireworks victims are under the age of 25, and 14 percent are under the age of five.

“Only licensed professionals are allowed to use fireworks in Massachusetts at displays supervised by local fire departments for safety,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. “There is no such thing as a safe or sane firework, and even the State Police Bomb Squad handles illegal Class C fireworks as if they were improvised explosive devices.”

>>> Check out this list of local fireworks displays.

Coan goes on to remind the public that local fire departments are busy monitoring professional fireworks displays and otherwise keeping the public safe over the July 4 holiday. That situation is especially true in Marblehead, where the town’s annual Harbor Illumination and fireworks display is closely monitored by Marblehead firefighters.

Gilliland said crews will be assigned to the water from where the fireworks will be launched, and the department also works with Atlas, the fireworks company, as well as state officials to check the entire setup prior to the show.

In addition, members of Marblehead Boy Scout Troop 79 will once again assist with the Harbor Illumination flares. Gilliland said the boys will be wearing lime green T-shirts clearly marked as helping with the illumination.

Graphic: Massachusetts state fire marshal’s office