SANFORD — Folks can attend fireworks displays in several communities for the Independence Day holiday ”“ but they can’t host their own in Sanford or several other York County municipalities.
Citing safety reasons, the Sanford Town Council earlier this year banned the use of consumer fireworks within the town limits. It’s the same story in Biddeford, Wells, Kennebunkport and Old Orchard Beach. In Alfred, the county’s shiretown, there’s a moratorium in effect that bans the sale and use of consumer fireworks while the town examines the new state law and decides on what course of action to take.
The Maine Legislature a year ago voted to allow the sale and use of consumer fireworks in the state, but also included a provision in the law that lets municipalities ban them if they choose.
Sanford Police Chief Thomas Connolly said the department will add patrol staff ”“ both to be on patrol during the town’s traditional Independence Day activities, including the public fireworks display over Number One Pond July 3, and also to provide extra coverage to handle complaints associated with the illegal use of consumer fireworks in town.
“We’ll respond to calls, and at the very least, the homeowner will be responsible,” said Connolly.
He pointed out that under Sanford’s ordinance, the fine for a first offense is $500. A second violation brings a $750 fine, and the penalty is $1,000 for a third violation.
In Old Orchard Beach, fines for violations range from $100 to $2,500. Old Orchard Beach Deputy Police Chief Keith Babin said the town will be installing signs in time for July Fourth at entranceways to the town informing people that fireworks are illegal in Old Orchard Beach. Babin said the town has already seen an increase in use, and police give warnings for first-time offenders. The town has a large tourist population coming from out of state and Canada.
Connolly said Sanford typically gets several dozen fireworks complaints, beginning the week before and through the week after the July Fourth holiday.
He’s trying to get the word out that consumer fireworks are banned in town, he said, because some will think the change in the state law means they can be used anywhere.
In Biddeford, where the sale and use of consumer fireworks is also prohibited, Police Chief Roger Beaupre said his officers will enhance their enforcement efforts to deter illegal fireworks in the city around the holiday. Officers will be especially focused on the Hills Beach area, where the worst offenses have historically taken place, he said.
On Thursday, a representative from the State Fire Marshal’s Office gave a training at the Biddeford Police Department to inform officers of the rules and regulations about fireworks to assist them with enforcement, said Beaupre.
Sanford Fire Marshal Peter Cutrer recently showed off some fireworks he planned to use for a training session for fire and police personnel, including some three-inch mortars that can travel 200 feet.
“There’s a common misconception that fireworks are safe,” said Cutrer last week. “There are no safe fireworks,” he said, showing a small mortar with an inch-long fuse.
Cutrer pointed to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, which reported that in 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries. Fireworks also caused an estimated 15,500 fires nationwide that year, according to NFPA.
“This the first time since 1949 that private fireworks have been allowed in Maine, and consumers should read carefully the instructions to set them off in a safe manner,” said acting State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas. He urged close supervision of children around any fireworks detonation, and he said the pyrotechnics should be stored in a secure location to prohibit access by children.
Because this year marks the first time in decades consumer fireworks are legal in Maine, many people likely have never used the devices before, Thomas said.
“Although fireworks are now legal, it’s important for consumers to operate them safely to avoid injury and damage to property,” said Thomas. “Users must be 21 or older, the fireworks must have been purchased within Maine, and can be used only on a person’s own property, or have a property owner’s written permission.”
— Staff Writers Dina Mendros and Liz Gotthelf contributed to this report. Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, Ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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