Fire Chief: Backyard Fireworks Are Illegal and Dangerous

The Fourth of July is a celebration of the United States of America’s independence and for many people that celebration concludes with professional fireworks shows.

But there are often times when people try to take the pyrotechnics into their own hands and, according to Shrewsbury Fire Department Chief James Vuona, that’s when things get dangerous.

“I can tell you that I hear them going off and see them going off around town,” Vuona said. “A lot of people think that they are harmless but every year there are people that either get killed or maimed by fireworks.

Last year one Massachusetts resident was killed by a firework explosion and 18 people were injured according to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System.

While there haven’t been any major fireworks related explosions or fires in Shrewsbury recently, fire departments from Sandwich, Brockton, Lawrence and Ashby responded to related incidents just last year.

“Every Fourth of July we have an incident here or there with something landing on a roof or going into the bushes,” Vuona said. “Even some of the smaller stuff like sparklers, party poppers and snappers can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees."

If police are called to respond to a report of possession and/or use of fireworks they will seize any and all fireworks, and can also levy up to a $100 fine. Additional charges can be filed for disturbing the peace and violating town bylaws on noise restrictions.

Enjoy Independence Day and the professional fireworks shows that go along with it safely.