Local, state officials address several firework-related incidentsDate: 7/10/2015 The Fourth of July was a busy weekend for local fire and police and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
While there were no injuries or mishaps at any of the professional supervised fireworks displays, there have been injuries and fires from fireworks along with several seizures of illegal fireworks. State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan reminds the public that only licensed professionals are allowed to use, possess and transport fireworks in Massachusetts.
“These incidents underscore how important our messages is to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many professional fireworks shows,” he said.
Serious injury in Saugus
On July 4, a man seriously injured his hand lighting off both class C and commercial grade fireworks in the backyard of 7 Oak Point Road in Saugus. He was transported to a Boston hospital for treatment. A large cache of fireworks was discovered in a bedroom of the residence. The State Police Bomb Squad was called to secure the fireworks, take evidence to submit to the Crime Lab, and on the morning of July 5 to detonate the fireworks at the Saugus Department of Public Works facility. Charges will be brought in conjunction with the Essex District Attorney’s office.
State Police are investigating the circumstances around another man hospitalized with injuries from fireworks in central Massachusetts.
Fireworks seizures
In addition to the fireworks seized in Saugus, several large seizures occurred in Pembroke, Hyannis, and Dennis this weekend. People illegally transported large quantities of fireworks purchased out of state for illegal, private displays.
State Police fire investigators assisted the Pembroke Police Department with a seizure at 37 Blackbird Drive. A resident had set up their own “private” show with illegal fireworks.
The State Police Bomb Squad assisted Hyannis Fire and Barnstable Police with a seizure of fireworks. A tip to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal about a U-Haul truck loaded with thousands of dollars of fireworks for Hyannis led Barnstable Police to stop the vehicle on Route 6.
The State Police Bomb Squad and the Department of Fire Services are assisting Dennis Police and Fire Departments with proper handling and disposal of several large caches of fireworks seized this weekend worth an estimated $7,000 to $8,000.
Charges will be filed in these cases in conjunction with the district attorney’s offices.
Fires suspected of being caused by fireworks
State Police and local fire and police authorities are investigating several fires over the weekend believed to be started by fireworks. They are in all parts of the state – Berkshire County, Bristol County, and Plymouth County.
Fireworks safety information
For more information on fireworks safety, a listing of professional, supervised fireworks shows, or a summary of the Fireworks law, please go to the Department of Fire Services’ webpage, http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/pubed/fs-topics/fs-topics-a/be-smart-leave-fireworks-to-the-professionals.html.
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