Fireworks are Dangerous and Can be Traumatic

Why take a chance with fireworks?

Fireworks can cause injuries to fingers, hands, face and ears, as well as burn & eye injuries. Fireworks can also start fires resulting in people losing their homes, property, or place of employment. Fireworks needlessly frighten and put stress on our small children, pets, and urban wildlife. The sound of fireworks can also adversely impact our older folks, retired military, and neighborhoods affected by gun violence.

Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.

All fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts for private residents. Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks by unlicensed individuals, even if you buy them legally in another state. Leave fireworks to the professionals!

Fireworks and sparklers are not safe, especially around children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,800° Fahrenheit. Children suffer some of the most severe burn injuries caused by sparklers. 

There have been 979 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past 10 years. These incidents caused dozens of injuries to firefighters and civilians, along with millions of dollars in damages.

The week leading up to the July 4^th holiday is a very busy time for our public safety agencies. Cambridge Firefighters, Police Officers, Emergency Medical Responders, and Emergency Communications staff urge everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals. Help us to prevent injuries and devastating fires. Help to protect the people of our city.

If you have any information on fireworks or wish to report fireworks activity, please call Cambridge Emergency Communications at 617-349-3300.

For an immediate emergency, injury or fire, call 911 right away.

For additional info go to the MA Department of Fire Services site or the National Fire Protection Association site.