Chief’s Column: Fireworks could blow you up. Or send you to jail.

The July 4th holiday is just a few days away but judging by the looks…and the sound of it, Fourth of July celebrations have already begun. For this column, I’ve again decided to simply pass on information offered by the Department of Fire Services – Office of the State Fire Marshal. These safety tips and more may be found at mass.gov/service-details/leave-fireworks-to-the-professionals.

Stay Safe… Fireworks are dangerous and illegal.

Give firefighters, EMT’s and hospitals a holiday this year. July 4th is a busy time for Firefighters. They are supervising professional fireworks shows and responding to all types of fires and medical emergencies. There may be fewer fireworks shows this year due to social distancing, but fire departments will still be very busy. In fact, the week of July 4th is one of the busiest times of the year for fires. Firefighters, police officers, and medical professionals ask you to help us during this pandemic, and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

All Fireworks Are Illegal in Massachusetts

The possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes Class C fireworks which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Sparklers burn at 1800ºF…that’s hotter than melted glass! It is illegal to transport fireworks into Massachusetts, even if they were purchased legally elsewhere. Massachusetts law requires that illegal fireworks be confiscated on the spot.

Sale of fireworks Penalty: Fine or imprisonment or both, and confiscation

Fine: $100 to $1000

Imprisonment: Maximum of 1-year

Mandatory seizure of fireworks

Possession, use, cause to explode of fireworks Penalty: Fine and confiscation

• Fine: $10 to $100
• Mandatory seizure of fireworks

Do Not Purchase Fireworks through Mail-Order or Online Catalogs

Government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, but police do confiscate illegal shipments of fireworks. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

Set a Good Example for Children

Children imitate adults. If you use fireworks, children will copy you, not realizing how very dangerous fireworks are.

Illegal Fireworks Put People and Property at Risk:

Massachusetts fire departments reported 944 fires and explosions from illegal fireworks between 2012 and 2021. These incidents caused 3 civilian injuries, 43 fire service injuries, and millions of dollars in damages. Massachusetts medical facilities treated 31 people with severe injuries from fireworks in the last 10 years. These reports reflect burns covering 5 percent or more of the victim’s body

Besides safety and legal issues, it’s about being a good neighbor. Not everyone enjoys the loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks being set off in the night. Pets are especially sensitive to fireworks and may have adverse reactions.

The members of the Grafton Police Department would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy Fourth of July weekend. Please stay safe…and stay away from fireworks