What are the consequences of the illegal use of fireworks in Massachusetts?

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Fourth of July is right around the corner and that means fireworks will be seen across the country. Here in Massachusetts, people who plan to use fireworks must have a certificate of competency to work lawfully for professional fireworks displays.

With the holiday coming this week many Americans will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate. But, people in the Commonwealth are reminded that it is illegal for residents to use or sell fireworks of any kind. This includes fireworks that were purchased legally elsewhere and brought into the state. Sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and all other fireworks are prohibited. Fines are up to $1,000 if you are caught using them.

Monique Dumais of West Springfield says fireworks have become an issue in her neighborhood, “What it does is it sprays firework debris all over the street, in people’s neighborhoods, in the backyard. So what that does, is it can cause fires. It can set your lawn on fire. It can set the house on fire, so it can be dangerous… Not to mention they can get hurt themselves.”

Fireworks can be a beautiful sight but it can also be dangerous. There have been over 500 fires and explosions caused by the illegal use of fireworks in the state of Massachusetts. That includes the more than 200 people who have been treated medically for burns and other injuries and $1.5 million in property damage, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

“The first thing that people think about for personal injury is, as far as the heat, the explosions,” explained Lt. Tony Spear of the West Springfield Fire Department, “…things like that obviously. You can lose fingers or hands if you are not careful, and you are using them illegally.”

So you may want to leave it to the professionals!

And remember there’s plenty of local events that feature those beautiful explosions in the sky. There are the fireworks at Six Flags new England in Agawam, and Star Spangled Springfield at Riverfront Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

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Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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