The Fourth of July—that hallmark of summer—is just around the corner. Although our sense of connection to those long-ago patriots who won our freedom from England 232 years ago has faded, our sense of celebration has not. In Harvard, months are spent planning festivities for young and old alike. The revelry begins a few days before the Fourth—this year on June 28—with fireworks, music, ice cream, and more. But some merry-makers often try to start earlier, or keep the fun going later—by shooting off their own fireworks. Reports are already starting to appear in the Harvard police log about the sound of illegal fireworks being heard in various places around town. Police told the Press this week that state laws regarding illegal fireworks will be “vigorously enforced.” These laws specify that anyone found in possession of illegal fireworks will be subject to a fine of $100 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Although fireworks may be available for purchase online and in neighboring New Hampshire, they are strictly forbidden in Massachusetts without a license—even sparklers, “party poppers,” snappers, spinners, and cherry bombs. And there is a good reason that the possession and use of fireworks are limited to licensed professionals: they are extremely dangerous. The Massachusetts government website reports that between 1998 and 2007 there were 677 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks, most of which took place during the week of the Fourth of July. These incidents resulted in one death, 15 injuries, and $1.5 million in losses. Sixty-nine percent of the victims were children under the age of 18; one-third were children between 10 and 14 years old. The youngest victim was a little boy less than 1 year old.
Injuries from fireworks are often serious, including burns and injuries to eyes, limbs, and brain. Last year a man in Stow lost parts of three fingers and sustained serious burns to his abdomen when a homemade firecracker exploded.
Harvard police urge residents to play it safe on the Fourth: enjoy the ice cream, the music, the fun and games—and the fireworks, from a safe distance, handled by professionals.
For more information on fireworks safety and laws visit www.mass.gov and search for “fireworks.”