Fire officials: Stay safe, be courteous during July 4th celebrations

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Setting off fireworks comes with risks and possible injury, and if caught using them in Massachusetts you could be fined.

The only sparks in the sky this Fourth of July should be the ones set off by the professionals. But if you do have fireworks, they can come with some serious dangers.

In 2023, eight people died and 9,700 were injured due to firework-related incidents. Now those who have visited the emergency room the most were between the ages of 15 to 19 years old.

July 4th fireworks are a tradition known to bring people together, but the boom at dawn is not for everyone, including those suffering from PTSD or pets.

22News spoke with Theresa Beaumier a night leader at Mutt Rescue in Chicopee, who says all pets should be kept inside during the holiday.

“Reassure your pet that you know that it’s going to be over soon, keep your ACs on, radio, television, anything you can do to keep the outside from coming in,” Beaumier recommends.

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte encourages residents to be considerate of their neighbors who may be triggered as a result of fireworks.

“Fireworks being discharged for people with PTSD can trigger PTSD both emotionally and physically,” said Piemonte. “There’s a lot of our veterans that have served whether it be in World War I, World War II or the most recent conflicts around the world. It’s just they don’t know how to be in that place, they stay home sheltered, they know what their triggers are, but sometimes they don’t. Be courteous and take into account other people.”

Whether you’re watching fireworks from inside your home or venturing out, fire officials are warning bay staters to be smart when handling Fourth of July explosives.

Massachusetts is the only state in the U.S. where it is illegal to sell, use, or possess fireworks of any kind as a private citizen.

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