With the July 4th holiday approaching, the City of Salem, Salem Fire Department, and Salem Police Department would like to remind the community that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. State law prohibits the detonation of fireworks, the sale of fireworks, and the purchase of fireworks out-of-state that are subsequently transported into Massachusetts.
In the last decade there have been nearly 1,000 major fires and explosions in the Commonwealth due to illegal fireworks, including fires right here in Salem. Fireworks can cause brush and residential fires, even from a single ember landing in a gutter or lawn.
Fireworks cause extreme stress to veterans and others who may struggle with mental health challenges exacerbated by the loud noise they cause. Panic attacks, injury, loss of sleep, and other disruptions from fireworks being detonated place a tremendous burden on seniors, veterans, and pets.
Lastly, fireworks can result in extreme injury both to the individual setting them off and those nearby. Even small fireworks like sparklers can cause significant and permanent damage, including burns and loss of limbs or fingers. Two out of every five fireworks-related burn injuries are to children and one quarter of them are to children younger than 10 years old. Fireworks are unpredictable and dangerous.
Fines for illegally using fireworks are enforced in Salem at the maximum levels allowed under state law. That means $300 per offense from the Salem Police Department for detonating them, up to $1,000 and potential incarceration for illegally selling fireworks, and up to $1,000 from the Salem Fire Department in additional fines.
Salem Police and Fire Department personnel respond to illegal fireworks complaints in a targeted manner. You can help them respond effectively to these incidents by reporting them using the online tool at www.salem.com/fireworks or by calling 978-744-1212. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
