Be Informed: Fireworks Aren’t Just Illegal, They’re Dangerous

The summer "fireworks" season is almost upon us and many are aware that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts but did you ever honestly ask yourself why they're illegal? Because fireworks can be dangerous and if not handled properly can cause serious injury and property damage.

Over the course of the past decade, there have been 941 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. Those incidents caused at least 12 injuries and 42 fire service injuries. Not to mention an estimated dollar loss of over $2 million. When you consider that most fireworks fires are outdoor brush fires, that's a high number.

Also, at least 32 people were treated for severe burn injuries from fireworks at emergency rooms in the state. That doesn't include the number of hospital visits for puncture wounds, eye wounds, amputations, and smaller burns.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, over 25% of fireworks-related burn injuries reported to hospitals were to children under the age of 10. That's a scary statistic.

WWLP/22 News Springfield reports that fire officials are urging Massachusetts residents not to bring illegal fireworks into the state even if they were legally purchased elsewhere. They're also urging everyone to know the dangers involved in setting off fireworks.

Fireworks enforcement efforts are already underway. Here's a statement from State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey:

The State Police Bomb Squad is coordinating enforcement efforts with local fire and police departments to help avoid a repeat of last year, where citizen complaints about the unsafe use of illegal fireworks increased sharply.

For more on the story, check out WWLP's website here.