State fire officials urge caution with fireworks use
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
For the first time since 1949, Maine residents are allowed to possess and display fireworks. But just because most fireworks are legal, that doesn’t mean local police and fire officials are not without concerns.
According to the Office of Maine State Fire Marshal, the following products are illegal to sell, use or possess in Maine under the new law — missile-type rockets; helicopters and aerial spinners; sky rockets and bottle rockets. Hand-held “snappers,” a small pouch that detonated when thrown onto a hard surface such as the road and were commonly sold as children’s toys in the 1980s, are also not allowed.
As of June, there were eight fireworks stores in Maine cities and towns — Ellsworth, Edgecomb, Manchester, Monmouth, Scarborough, South Paris and Winslow — and several more in the final planning stages.
Several communities have enacted laws to either limit or ban the sale of fireworks in their towns.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following fireworks safety tips:
• Purchase only Maine permissible consumer fireworks, available at licensed stores, and only the quantity that you will use.
• Fireworks can only be used on property that you own, or have written permission from the landowner.
• Have a water hose available in case of a fire.
• Only those age 21 or older can possess or use consumer fireworks
• Always wear eye protection and follow all directions provided
• Light only one device at a time
• Keep spectators at a safe distance and be considerate of neighbors, pets and the environment.
• Clean up all debris when finished
• Devices that do not discharge should be placed in water, after setting alone for 15 minutes.
• Always make sure that unused fireworks, matches and lighters are kept out of the reach of children.
