Massachusetts Can Fine and Jail You for Illegal Fireworks

It's fireworks season.

Independence Day is coming and with it the celebratory fireworks displays. Professional fireworks displays throughout the region and the Commonwealth will draw crowds of Fourth of July revelers, provided the weather holds.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has an up-to-date list of all the scheduled professional fireworks displays in Massachusetts, including the many in Southeastern Massachusetts, and rain dates in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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The sale and possession of consumer fireworks in Massachusetts is illegal. Three New England states – Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire – permit folks to possess and use some consumer fireworks, but Massachusetts does not.

In Rhode Island, the Office of the State Fire Marshall says, "Only ground and hand-held sparkling devices are legal for use by the general public, sixteen years of age or older."

In New Hampshire and Maine, all fireworks are legal on private property, though individual communities in Maine may prohibit consumer fireworks.

MEOPSS says, "There have been more than 500 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years." Officials say, "Seven firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at more than $1.5 million."

"Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks," according to MEOPSS, which adds, "Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim's body."

Selling illegal fireworks in Massachusetts can get you a fine of between $100 to $1,000 and a maximum of one year in jail. The possession or use of illegal fireworks can result in a fine of between $10 and $100 and the seizure of your fireworks.