BIDDEFORD — Use of consumer fireworks within Biddeford may be restricted to certain areas if a proposed ordinance is passed.
A new state law will allow the sale and use of consumer fireworks throughout Maine starting Jan. 1, except in communities that create specific restrictions against them.
When the Policy Committee discussed the new law in September, Police Chief Roger Beaupre recommended simply following the rules of the state law regarding the sale and use of consumer fireworks.
But committee members wanted more restrictions.
Some, like committee member Matthew Hight, said they wanted to keep the “status quo” and continue to ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks in the city, despite the new law.
Others favored restricting areas where fireworks could be set off.
Earlier this month, an ordinance was proposed that would ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks throughout the city, with fines imposed for those violating the measure.
The ordinance would not apply to those issued a permit for a fireworks display.
Fire Chief Joe Warren said that proposal was created to start a discussion. He said he thought it was important to “find a middle ground that is palatable to both sides.”
Fireworks shouldn’t be used in downtown and other congested areas, he said, but he suggested they could be allowed in more rural areas.
Policy member Richard Rhames said he favored a total ban because he views fireworks as a danger to public health, noting that a number of injuries are caused through setting off fireworks. Fireworks on the beaches are also a threat to rare shorebirds like piping plovers, he said.
Policy member David Bourque said he thought the use of consumer fireworks should be allowed in Biddeford.
“People are using them anyway,” he said.
Bourque admitted that he smuggles fireworks into Maine and sets them off at his camp.
“If done right in correct areas” there’s no problem, he said.
The sale of fireworks should also be allowed in Biddeford, said resident Bil Moriarty. He said that could create several jobs for city residents.
The Policy Committee did not vote on the measure. Instead, members directed the fire and police chiefs to work on a new ordinance. As directed, the measure would include some restrictions limiting where fireworks could be used, such as areas where the discharge of firearms is allowed, but not a complete ban.
The measure is scheduled to be discussed again in November at the Policy Committee’s next meeting.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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