Guide To Fireworks In RI: What's Legal; What's Recalled; What's Safe

CRANSTON, RI — Local police and Rhode Island's state fire marshal are reminding people to take care if they use fireworks. Some are legal in Rhode Island, but rockets are not. The Cranston police posted the rules on Facebook.

“Fireworks can be fun, but they’re also dangerous,” said Fire Marshal John Chartier. “The use of consumer fireworks, such as those that can be legally purchased in Rhode Island, results in thousands of injuries nationwide each year.” The risk is highest for young children, especially those under age 10. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about 12,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2015; about 2,000 of those were eye injuries. Sparklers accounted for one quarter of the fireworks-related injuries. He also warned that a certain type of TNT firework that would be considered legal for use in this state has been recalled by federal safety officials because it can unexpectedly explode after being lit, posing risk of burns and other injuries.

Product Recall

The product is called TNT Red, White & Blue Smoke, which creates colored smoke when lit. It is sold in packages with three separate canisters – one red, one white and one blue.
This particular product does not appear to be sold in Rhode Island. However, it is available and sold through major department stores and other outlets in Vermont, Ohio and other states and would be considered legal for use in Rhode Island.
“Out of an abundance of caution, I’m warning Rhode Island residents and visitors who may have purchased this brand of firework and/or had plans to do so that it is considered dangerous and unsafe for use,” Marshal Chartier said.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said consumers should immediately stop using this firework and contact American Promotional Events at 800-243-1189 or via email at infor@tntfireworks.com for a full refund.
More information is available the CPSC website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Fireworks-Recalled-By-American-Promotional-Events.

Safety Tips

Chartier urges everyone to use fireworks safely and offers the following tips:
• Obey all state and local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Use fireworks outside, in a clear area, away from buildings, vehicles and trees.
• Always have a bucket of water and a hose connected to water nearby.
• Never let young children handle any type of firework, including sparklers.
• Point fireworks away from people, homes, trees and combustible materials.
• Wear safety glasses when using fireworks. Light one at a time and move away quickly.
• If a firework doesn’t ignite, don’t try to re-light it. Douse it in water instead.
• Keep pets indoors when fireworks are being used.

“Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but people often don’t realize just how dangerous they can be,” noted Fire Chief Richard G. Petrin, President of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs. “The safest way to enjoy them is to go to a fireworks show in your community and let the experts handle the fireworks display. Consumers and licensed fireworks retailers must make safety their top priority and responsibility.”

Photo Caption: leftmost, Mark Pare, Director, Rhode Island Fire Training Academy; Fire Chief Richard Petrin, President, Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs; State Fire Marshal John Chartier