Fireworks Legality In Brunswick, Maine

Fireworks are legal in Maine, but there are exceptions and restrictions. The Maine Legislature legalised the sale and use of fireworks at the state level in 2012, but individual communities are allowed to prohibit or restrict consumer fireworks. For example, the city of Portland bans them. In Brunswick, Maine, the use and sale of consumer-grade fireworks are restricted.

Fireworks legality in Maine

Fireworks are legal in Maine, but there are restrictions on their use, sale, and possession. The Maine Legislature legalized the sale and use of fireworks at the state level in 2012, but individual municipalities are allowed to prohibit or restrict consumer fireworks and adopt their own ordinances.

In Brunswick, Maine, fireworks are restricted. According to the Maine Fire Marshall's office, Brunswick is one of the many towns that restrict the sale and usage of consumer-grade fireworks.

In Maine, fireworks can be purchased by someone aged 21 or older and set off on private property or with permission from a property owner between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the Fourth of July and New Year's as exceptions. Illegal fireworks in Maine include missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners, sky rockets, bottle rockets, and sky lanterns. Sparklers are legal in Maine, but fire officials warn that they can reach incredibly high temperatures and recommend adult supervision during their use.

Brunswick's fireworks restrictions

Brunswicks Fireworks Restrictions

In Maine, it has been legal to possess and use fireworks for over a decade. However, the state's legislation allows individual municipalities to adopt their own ordinances and restrictions on the sale and usage of fireworks.

Brunswick is one of the towns that restrict the sale and usage of consumer-grade fireworks. This means that in Brunswick, you cannot buy or use "consumer fireworks", which are the only type of fireworks that can be sold directly to the public in Maine.

If you are looking to purchase fireworks in Maine, you must be 21 or older, and they can be set off on private property or with permission from a property owner between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the Fourth of July and New Year's as exceptions.

Illegal fireworks in Maine include missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners, sky rockets, bottle rockets, and sky lanterns. These types of fireworks are banned under federal law, and setting them off can result in a fine of up to $500.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks are legal in Maine, but not in all towns. Brunswick is one of the towns that restrict the use and sale of fireworks. So, if you live in Brunswick, Maine, you will not be able to legally set off fireworks. However, if you are visiting a place where fireworks are legal and choose to use them, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Fireworks are dangerous and can cause severe burns and eye injuries. It is best not to use any fireworks at home and instead attend public fireworks displays by professionals.
• If you do use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area and only purchase and set off those labelled for consumer use.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Older children should only use them under close adult supervision. Sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 1,800 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals and ignite clothing.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands or have any part of your body over them while lighting.
• Only use fireworks outdoors and away from people, houses, and flammable materials. Keep fireworks away from brush, leaves, and flammable substances.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person, even as a joke.
• Light only one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never light fireworks indoors or in a container.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire or other mishaps.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Steer clear of others setting off fireworks as they can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Keep your pets in mind. Fireworks can be stressful for them, so keep them indoors, close the curtains or blinds, and provide distractions with treats or entertainment.

Illegal fireworks in Maine

Fireworks are legal in Maine, but there are restrictions on the types of fireworks that can be purchased and used. The state has specific laws regarding the possession, transportation, and storage of fireworks, and individual towns and cities may have additional restrictions or prohibitions in place.

In Maine, it is illegal to sell, use, or possess missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners, sky rockets, bottle rockets, and sky lanterns (also known as floating or Chinese lanterns). These types of fireworks are banned under state law, and violations can result in fines or jail time.

In addition to the state-level restrictions, many towns and cities in Maine have their own ordinances and restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks. For example, the cities of Augusta, Auburn, Bangor, Bath, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Bucksport, Camden, Damariscotta, Owls Head, Randolph, Rockland, Topsham, and Waterville restrict the use and sale of consumer-grade fireworks. Other municipalities, such as Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Harpswell, Jay, Lewiston, Monmouth, and Oakland, have restrictions that prohibit certain types of fireworks.

It is important for residents and visitors in Maine to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding fireworks. While fireworks are legal at the state level, individual communities may have different rules, and violations can result in fines or other penalties. It is always best to check with local authorities before purchasing or using fireworks to ensure compliance with the law.

Overall, while fireworks are legal in Maine, there are specific types of fireworks that are illegal, and individual towns and cities may have additional restrictions or prohibitions in place. It is important to be aware of and comply with all relevant laws and regulations to ensure safe and legal enjoyment of fireworks.

Fireworks-related injuries

Fireworks are legal in Maine, but they are prohibited in certain towns, including Brunswick. While they can be a fun way to celebrate, they can also cause serious injuries.

Fireworks can cause severe and life-threatening injuries, and thousands of people are treated for fireworks-related injuries in hospital emergency departments every year in the United States. Burns are the most common type of injury, and the heat from a single sparkler can reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than a blowtorch. Injuries can also be caused by fireworks that shoot into the air or those that remain on the ground.

The body parts most often injured by fireworks are the eyes, hands, and fingers, with arms, legs, head, face, and ears also commonly affected. These injuries can cause permanent damage, and in some cases, can be fatal. In 2017, at least eight people died from fireworks-related incidents, and in 2020, there was a 50% increase in fireworks-related deaths and injuries compared to the previous year.

Children are particularly vulnerable to fireworks-related injuries, with nearly half of the estimated treated injuries occurring in people under 20 years old, and 36% in children under 15. Even sparklers, which are often considered safer, can be dangerous, as they have been associated with 14% of estimated injuries during the Fourth of July period.

To prevent fireworks-related injuries, it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as never igniting devices in a container, lighting one firework at a time, moving away quickly after lighting, and never lighting fireworks indoors or while consuming alcohol. It is also important to keep children and other observers at a safe distance and to have a designated sober adult light any fireworks.

Frequently asked questions