Swampscott Police To Crack Down On Illegal Fireworks

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott is joining other towns across the state in an effort to make this a much less noisy Fourth of July season.

With the coronavirus health crisis restricting most traditional Fourth of July activities a year ago, many residents on the North Shore, and across the state, resorted to illegal fireworks to pass the time and light up the night.

While they provided a temporary diversion from the pandemic, they were also illegal in Massachusetts.

Swampscott police are reminding residents of that in advance of this year's holiday in hopes of avoiding the rowdy nights that frazzled pets and kept some families awake.

Per the state fire marshal, is illegal for private citizens to use, possess or sell fireworks in Massachusetts. That includes purchasing them in a legal neighboring state (New Hampshire) and bringing them back to Massachusetts.

Those who possess or explode private fireworks are subject to a fine and confiscation. The fine is between $10 and $100 per incident and seizure of the fireworks is mandatory.

Anyone found to be selling illegal fireworks in Massachusetts is subject to a fine of $100 to $1,000 and up to one year in prison. Officers may make an arrest without a warrant and all fireworks will be seized.

"We wish for a safe and healthy summer for all residents and visitors to our community," police said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)