The State Fire Marshal says his investigators will be working during the July 4th week enforcing Maine’s fireworks laws. Fire Marshal John Dean said his investigators will be working at public gatherings looking for individual fireworks violations.
“Over 9,000 people are injured and several killed every year in the US by fireworks. Head injuries account for 40 percent of the injuries and 30 percent involve the extremities. I strongly recommend avoiding any function where fireworks may be used illegally or by amateurs,” Dean said.
The fire marshal said the only fireworks in Maine that are legal without a license are sparklers and caps and recommended strict supervision of their use. Dean said most parents do not realize that the temperature of a sparkler can reach 1,800 degrees and remain hot after they have burned out. Violations for fireworks possession or use in Maine without a license can result in fines up to $5,000. Maine is only one of seven states to ban all consumer fireworks.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office licenses about 200 fireworks shows each year and issues permits to 108 technicians that oversee those displays.
A complete list of the licensed fireworks displays are posted on the Fire Marshal’s Web page: www.maine.gov/dps/fmo
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