SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – As neighborhoods continue to celebrate the Fourth of July, fire officials are reminding the community to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
Since 2020, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts. Six firefighters were injured across these incidents, and damage estimates nearly $1 million.
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“And if they do go off and something goes wrong, seeking shelter away from any of the danger,” said South Hadley Fire Lieutenant Sam Lemanski. “And then if someone’s injured, we want to call 911 right away.”
Using fireworks in Massachusetts is illegal, unless they’re being used by a licensed professional. Those who bring them into the state or use them can face jail time. Massachusetts is the only state in the country to have a complete ban on the sale and use of fireworks.
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