New Haven officials, residents urge caution with explosives during holiday

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The oohs and ahs of fireworks can quickly turn to yelps (or worse) when set off incorrectly.

New Haven resident Jay Castillo can attest as he told News 8 that one of his family members blew off their finger trying to light the celebratory explosives.

The video below aired on July 1, 2024.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 10,000 people were sent to the emergency room for firework-related injuries last year. Most are burns to hands and faces.

Castillo saw the dangers firsthand and now puts safety first.

“Go ignite the firework and walk away,” Castillo said. “I’ve always been safe with it and make sure everybody is safe.”

The explosives can be a great time for others, depending on the location.

“I like to look at them, but I feel like they are very unsafe because you never know where they are going to fall,” New Haven resident Angela Covington said. “When they do it over the water, it’s fine.”

In Connecticut, sparklers and fountain fireworks are allowed to be used by people 16 years old and up. Fireworks that go up into the air are illegal.

“We have seen serious injuries to people using [fireworks] because they are not licensed or trained in them,” New Haven Police Assistant Chief David Zannelli said.

New Haven officials are starting the holiday week with a strong message: leave the fireworks to the professionals.

“We had some rain this weekend, but by the time Fourth of July rolls around, we start to get dry grass or the roofs of houses start to get dry,” New Haven Fire Chief John Alston said. “Those embers from amateur fireworks that we don’t see will light up houses.”

Elm City is getting ready to host its annual fireworks show at East Rock Park on Thursday. The event will feature 700 shells and a 25-minute nonstop show.

“Really wonderful evening, a time for so many people to get together and enjoy our community,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said. “There’s going to be food trucks, ice cream, fried dough, hot dogs, fried American flare, halal bowls, live DJ. If you can see the summit, you likely can see the fireworks.”

There will be no parking beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the following locations: Farnam and English Drives, East Rock Summit and Orange Street between Farnam and Coldspring. Police will assist with parking at Wilbur Cross High School and lots nearby.

If you can’t make it to the East Rock neighborhood, you can watch the fireworks on WCTX starting at 9 p.m. or on the News 8 website.

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