Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

HULL — Police Chief John Dunn and Fire Chief Chris Russo, along with the Hull Police and Fire Departments, wish to share important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In addition to the 42 fire service injuries, five civilian injuries, and $2.5 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported about 30 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks.

In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year. 

Fireworks of all kinds, including Class C fireworks, are illegal to use, possess or sell in Massachusetts. Residents should also note that open burning is only legal in the state between Jan. 15 and May 1.

The Hull Police Department will take enhanced measures—including ramped up enforcement of beach parking regulations—in order to ensure that the ban on bonfires during the summer months is strictly adhered to and that fireworks are not being used at any time.

Below is some basic information on the fireworks law in Massachusetts:

What is prohibited by the law?

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect.

What are the penalties?

The sale of fireworks is punishable by confiscation, and a fine or imprisonment or both. A fine will range $100-$1,000 and possible imprisonment is a maximum of one year.

The possession of fireworks is punishable by confiscation and a fine of $10-$100.

Is there any danger associated with fireworks?

Fireworks incidents can cause injuries to firefighters and civilians, along with millions of dollars in property damage.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there has been a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S.

• Young adults aged 20-24 had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2021.
• In 2021, there were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 1,100 involving sparklers.
• In 2021, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31% of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21%).

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Hull Police Department at 781-925-1212.

In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:

• Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
• Report illegal fires to the police.
• Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
• Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.

The departments also urge residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:

• Be mindful of pedestrians.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
• Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
• Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

For more information on fireworks in Massachusetts, click here. For general summer safety tips, click here.

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