Should Massachusetts Allow the Sale of Fireworks?

Fourth of July weekend is upon us which means parades, barbecues and of course - fireworks. In Massachusetts fireworks are illegal for a private citizen to buy, sell or use. Possession and/or use of fireworks can result in $100 fine according to the office of the State Fire Marshal. Furthermore, the sale of fireworks can culminate in a $1,000 fine or even a year in jail.

The Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Security has reported that there have been 775 fires and explosion incidents resulting from the use of illegal fireworks from 2006 to 2015. These incidents led to the injuries of 11 civilians and four fire service people. The State Fire Marshal encourages residents to, "leave the fireworks to the professionals."

Patch asked readers and Facebook users across the state if they thought these rules and guidelines were fair, and whether Massachusetts should allow fireworks to be sold.

Here's what your neighbors and fellow Patch readers told us:

• "People have them regardless of whether the are legal or not, and the cops do nothing.' - Barnstable-Hyannis
• "Yes. Every year people buy them and do them illegally. Why not just let people have their fun? If they blow off their fingers or burn their house down, then they shouldn't have had them to begin with and probably won't do it again next year." - Danvers
• "Does it matter?? People are lighting them off anyway." - Tewksbury
• "YES! About the only state around here that doesn't." - Burlington
• "Yes, let people make their own choices about them. Cigarettes are legal, alcohol is legal. I think more people are probably harmed by drunk drivers a year than those who injure themselves with fireworks in the states that already allow them."- Marlborough
• "No. People are too callous with them. Too close to neighbors houses for one thing. And the poor dogs." - Danvers
• "No. Dangerous!" - Lexington
• "Yes, since everyone buys them in NH and light them off here anyway. Might as well get the tax dollars."- Woburn
• "No. Too many idiots will be blowing each other's hands off." - Salem
• "No, every year people who don't know how to handle fireworks properly are killed or maimed. Leave the fireworks to the professionals who are properly trained. Enjoy the wonderful displays throughout the state." - Wakefield

Instead of using fireworks illegally, the Massachusetts Fire Marshal recommends residents to view the displays put on by local fire departments and trained professionals. The complete list of local fireworks shows can be found on the Patch Fourth of July Fireworks Guide.