The Fourth of July holiday may have come and gone, but Mainers’ penchant for sparkly, loud fireworks isn’t likely to subside anytime soon as we celebrate a newfound freedom to buy and use them after a nearly 70-year ban.
Fireworks are an interesting invention, for sure. They can be wondrous, awe-inspiring and beautiful, while smaller ones can simply amuse. Each type of firework has its own unique attributes, from the crackling, weeping-willow-shaped bursts that get swept away in the wind to the simplistic “snakes” of ash that grow and wriggle their way into existence from just a pellet.
And while we’re certainly having our fun with these newly legal bursts of light, it’s an important time to remind everyone of the safety precautions, laws and simple common courtesy that all need to be taken into account before that first fuse is lit. After all, these are explosives and even the professionals can get hurt while using them, as evidenced by the injury of a Central Maine Pyrotechnics worker during the Sanford Fourth of July fireworks display Wednesday.
While the State of Maine legalized fireworks as of Jan. 1, many towns and cities have banned the explosives due to concerns about wildlife, fire danger and quality of life. The word has gotten out that fireworks are now legal in Maine, and shops have popped up in just about every major city in which they’re allowed, but less well-known are the local bans that police will be enforcing throughout the season. As of today, Alfred, Biddeford, Buxton, Hollis, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford and Wells have all banned consumer use of fireworks, while Sanford is allowing their sale. And if you’re traveling this summer, it’s important to check the ordinances of the municipality in which you plan to set off fireworks, to make sure you’re not breaking the law. With the new law going into effect just this year, police are going to be looking for violators more than ever, to remind people that while it may be legal in the state overall, it’s not okay in their town.
The debate over fireworks has been heated at times, with some saying the devices are never safe and others saying they simply need to be used properly. While we advocated for the legalization back before the Legislature voted on the issue last year, we recognize that this new freedom also comes with responsibility, and we hope Mainers take it seriously.
Just as it was in kindergarten, if we can’t play with these “toys” nicely, they are going to be taken away from us. It won’t be surprising if our legislators decide to renege on this freedom after a few people are seriously injured or a fireworks display sets off a forest fire that destroys a swath of homes. That said, vigilance must be a priority, so let’s review the ground rules for maintaining this new allowance:
Fireworks are not meant to be used by anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just like cars, boats, guns and other devices, fireworks need to be taken seriously ”“ they’re explosives, after all, however small. And if someone is impaired, they must be kept from handling the incendiaries. Children are also not to be allowed to light fireworks or have them in their possession ”“ these items should be guarded like loaded guns and matches.
Like with any other activity involving fire, water and a fire extinguisher should be on hand in case of a mishap, and the trajectory of the firework must be noted so that spectators can be arranged out of the way.
Another major concern with fireworks is the litter they leave behind. That’s why they’ve been banned in several coastal towns where beach litter was a concern. In Saco, one of the few major cities in this area to allow fireworks, Police Chief Bradley Paul said beach litter has increased since fireworks became legal because people aren’t picking up after themselves. Judging by councilors’ reactions to this news and other related complaints in the city, a ban may not be far off if such negligent behavior continues.
Another concern Paul raised ”“ and one that has become prevalent in many communities, whether fireworks are legal there or not, is the noise. State law dictates that fireworks can only be set off between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. ”“ with an extension to 12:30 a.m. for New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July and the surrounding weekends. People who violate this law, which is a simple formalization of a neighborly agreement not to disturb people in the middle of the night, are breaking the public trust and giving all fireworks users a bad name. Chief Paul said he’s treating the violations as noise complaints and we hope the attorney general’s office will back him up in his efforts to enforce that.
All in all, while the legalization of fireworks gives us one more right and freedom in an increasingly restricted society, the patchwork of local ordinances has made it difficult to utilize that freedom and to know when we’re in the clear to do so. While it would be nice if the entire state was uniform again in its enforcement of fireworks allowances, that’s not the case for now, so those who want to be able to use them need to be mindful of the local ordinances and respectful of their neighbors and the law if they want to retain this right.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski, representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.