Safety Office urges Hanscom community to follow New England fireworks laws

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Shelly Barton
  • 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Fourth of July celebrations throughout New England will feature fireworks displays. Professionally produced fireworks are a festive addition to the holiday celebrations and are, for the most part, safe.

For many, enjoying fireworks at home is also a traditional way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Lighting fireworks can be dangerous, however, if safety precautions are not followed.

Those considering lighting off their own fireworks are advised to read the following to learn which types of fireworks, if any, are allowed in nearby areas and communities.

❊ Hanscom Air Force Base: Personal fireworks are illegal on Hanscom. 

❊ Massachusetts: Fireworks are not permitted. This includes firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, sparklers, fountains, mines and serpents. 

❊ New Hampshire: Permitted fireworks are cone and cylindrical fountains, ground spinners, party poppers, snakes, glow worms and wheels. Small sparklers that are not regulated as Consumer Fireworks are also allowed.
Prohibited fireworks are large sparklers and all items not specifically permitted. 

❊ Maine: Permitted fireworks are sparklers without magnesium, chlorates or perchlorate, and plastic and paper caps. Prohibited fireworks are firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, bombs, rockets, wheels, colored fire, fountains, mines and serpents.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 10,800 people were treated for firework-related injuries in 2005.

In 1976, the CPSC enacted national standards for personal-use fireworks. All fireworks now legally available for sale must comply with CPSC rules.

Since the adoption of these regulations, in instances where legal types of fireworks were involved in accidents, the resulting injuries were minor and did not require hospitalization.

Those who are going to light fireworks should follow the safety tips listed on the National Council on Fireworks Safety's Web site at www.fireworksafety.com. 

The 66 ABW Safety Office wishes all those at Hanscom a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. For more information, call the Safety Office at (781) 377-5135.