Worcester Fireworks Campaign, Crackdown Begins Ahead Of July 4

WORCESTER, MA — With warm weather and July 4 coming up, the familiar sound of fireworks has returned to neighborhoods across Worcester, scaring dogs and annoying countless residents.

In response, the Worcester fire and police departments have formed a fireworks task force. Police officers and firefighters will go door-to-door in neighborhoods where fireworks complaints are particularly high this year to talk to residents about the danger of the colorful explosive devices.

There were close to 2,000 complaints citywide in 2020, according to city officials.

"Many people do not realize how dangerous fireworks can be," Fire Chief Michael Lavoie said in a news release. "We have seen serious injuries as a result of these displays over the years. Last year we received an alarming increase of complaints from residents who were distressed about the disruption that the sound fireworks created in their neighborhoods. We do not want to repeat that."

Fireworks are, of course, illegal. Anyone caught with fireworks could be fined up to $100. Anyone selling the devices could face prison. Massachusetts is the only state where all types of fireworks are illegal, form handheld sparklers to airborne explosives. But residents can travel to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont to get smaller devices, and bigger products available in New Hampshire.

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Even though they're illegal, there have been close to 1,000 destructive events in the state involving fireworks over the past decade, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Information. That includes a dozen civilian injuries and 42 firefighter injuries.

Worcester's usual July 4 fireworks show has been called off this year. The Worcester Red Sox, however, have a summer-long series of fireworks shows planned following games at Polar Park, including three shows over the July 4 weekend.

To report fireworks, call the Worcester police complaint line at 508-799-8606.