Brick Police Issue Fireworks Warning After Law Change Sparks Confusion

BRICK, NJ — Leave the explosive fireworks to the professionals. That's the message the Brick Township Police Department is delivering to residents this week.

In a post on Facebook, the department said there have been stores in town that were selling illegal fireworks. A state law signed late last week by Gov. Chris Christie made it permissible to purchase and use certain items that had been banned previously.

"There is a new law that authorizes the sale, possession, and use of sparklers, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers, and drop pops," the police department post said. "Citizens may now buy, sell and use sparklers and ground-based sparklers, novelty items, party poppers, snappers and other such items. These are considered to be non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks."

The issue, however, is that some stores were selling aerial fireworks as well. Those are a big no-no, the police department said.

"These stores have been advised to remove the product from the shelves," the department said.

"Just a reminder that any type of firework that shoots into the air and/or explodes such as firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, sky rockets, M-80's or other such items are still illegal in the state and are subjected to fines and penalties," the police said.

On July 4, there have been nearly a dozen serious fireworks incidents across the country, including a Kentucky man who died when a firework went off too soon and hit him in the chest, causing his heart to stop.

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