Pawtucket Police To Crack Down On Illegal Fireworks

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Pawtucket Police Department has announced a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks this year. The department is deploying additional resources to fight the problem and asking members of the public to help.

Last year there were around 1,300 calls for illegal fireworks in Pawtucket, police said in a news release.

In Rhode Island, only ground and hand-held "sparkling devices" are legal for use by the general public. The Office of the State Fire Marshal has a web page devoted to explaining the state's fireworks law. The page contains a list of permissible and impermissible devices. Note that so-called "sky lanterns" are prohibited.

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“We are asking the public to please contact us at 401-727-9100 if you observe illegal fireworks,” said Acting Public Safety Director and Chief Tina Goncalves. “If you see anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We thank the residents in advance for their help and cooperation. With the assistance of everyone we hope to reduce the number of fireworks-related complaints.”

In 2019, fireworks sent around 10,000 people to emergency rooms nationwide, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In that year, 12 fireworks-related deaths were reported.

In Pawtucket, residents can leave anonymous tips regarding the buying, selling, or use of illegal fireworks by calling the Community Policing Unit at 401-729-5847 or emailing CPU Sergeant Dan Ashworth at dashworth@pawtucketpolice.com.

The Community Policing Unit office is not staffed 24 hours a day. So when fireworks are being used at night, people should call dispatch at 401-727-9100.

In related news, the City of Pawtucket is hosting anIndependence Day fireworks celebration on July 3, the Office of Mayor Donald Grebien anounced.