Salem Police Urge Residents To Report Illegal Fireworks This July 4

SALEM, MA — As North Shore police and fire departments look to crack down on the cacophony of illegal fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday, the city and its public safety departments are once again urging residents to report fireworks being set off in neighborhoods.

All personal fireworks — including sparklers — remain illegal in Massachusetts with only commercially permitted fireworks displays allowed by law. The purchase of fireworks in another state (New Hampshire) and transport to Massachusetts is also against the law.

Officials said fines for using illegal fireworks in Salem will be enforced at the maximum levels allowed under the law. Those fines are $300 per offense from the Salem Police Department for detonating them, and up to $1,000 and potential incarceration for setting them. The Salem Fire Department can enforce fines of up to $1,000 as well.

Salem Police and Fire Department personnel respond to illegal fireworks complaints in a targeted manner. Residents can help them respond effectively to these incidents by reporting them by calling 978-744-1212. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)