Submitted on behalf of the Bedford Police Department
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department wish to remind residents that fireworks are prohibited in the state of Massachusetts and can cause serious damage if handled improperly.
It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including 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. Massachusetts residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.
Additionally, while officials cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.
“We know that everyone wants to have a memorable Fourth of July, but if you are not a licensed professional, you should not handle fireworks,” Chief Bongiorno said. “Fireworks are extremely dangerous and they will be taken away if you are caught with them.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2007-2016, there were 826 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, five fire service injuries and an estimated loss of $1.8 million.
Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2007-2016 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.
In addition to injuries, the sound created by fireworks exploding can cause stress, which can be experienced by people who may be sensitive to loud noises, such as the elderly and veterans who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Pets can also react negatively to the sound created by fireworks.
Residents should also remember to:
- Watch professional fireworks displays from a safe distance
- Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks
- Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks.
- Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.
Chief Bongiorno recommends that residents seek out a fireworks display put on by a licensed professional, such as the show in nearby Burlington, which can be seen from either the Burlington Town Common or Simonds Park beginning at 9 p.m. on July 4.
Anyone who has questions about fireworks or firework safety should contact the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212.
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