Police, Fire Marshal Warn of Fireworks Dangers

When people think of an Independence Day celebration, they think of fireworks. But fireworks are illegal in New Jersey and have the potential to cause harm to both people and property.

The National Fire Protection Association statistics state there were were more than 22,000 fires in 2008 attributed to fireworks that caused $42 million in damage. Plus there have been 3,000 reported injuries of children ages 15 years old and under due to fireworks.

Millburn Fire Marshal Tom Pizzano said fireworks are illegal in New Jersey because of  the potential for fire and injury. Pizzano could not recall of any significant problems in Millburn-Short Hills due to fireworks, but Police Capt. James Miller, public information officer, said the department receives complaints during the holiday because of concerns of noise and the potential dangers of fire.

"Historically we get complaints at this time of year," he said. "We haven't had any issues yet, but it's that time of year."

Fireworks are not illegal in Pennsylvania, though, and New Jersey state police are planning to crack down this weekend on people who may try to bring them into the state, according to an Associated Press report.

According to Miller, possession or use of fireworks without a permit is a petty disorderly person offense. It carries a fine up to $500 and the potential for 30 days in prison. Selling fireworks or possessing them with the intent to sell is a fourth-degree crime and carries a fine up to $10,000 and a possible prison sentence up to 18 months in jail. 

Pizzano said New Jersey has a dense population. It means there's more of a risk for damage or injuries from fireworks. Plus people may not realize how dangerous even something like a sparkler, which also is illegal, can be. A sparkler is the firework that most often causes burns, he said, and it can burn at 1,200 degrees. The temperature is hot enough to cause a third-degree burn.

People also should never pick up a firework from the ground, Pizzano warned. Even if it looks as if it has been used, it may still be active.

Millburn-Short Hills will have a professional fireworks display for those who want to include them in their Independence Day celebration. The display is part of the 4th of July events that start at 9 a.m. and include a carnival in Taylor Park at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gates for the fireworks open at 7 p.m. at Millburn High School with the show starting at about 9 p.m. Tickets for the entire day are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event. Tickets for the fireworks only are $5 and can be purchased at the gate.