Malden Fire Chief Issues Warning About Fireworks

MALDEN, MA — Malden Fire Chief Bill Sullivan said Monday he shares the concerns of residents over an uptick in fireworks use in the city. Malden and many surrounding communities are seeing a rise in fireworks activity over the past few weeks compared to the same time period last year, Sullivan said.

According to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall's office, last summer there were several fires, amputations and burn injuries from fireworks in Massachusetts. There have been 858 major fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks over the past decade, resulting in 12 injuries to civilians, 40 fire service injuries and an estimated $2.9 million in damages, Sullivan said.

Thirty-seven people were treated for severe burns – covering 5 percent or more of their body – in Massachusetts from 2010-2019. Thirty-three percent were children ages 14 or younger, and an additional 22 percent were 15-24 years old. The youngest victim was a seven-month-old boy, Sullivan said.

"People must understand and acknowledge that fireworks displays, common around the July 4th Holiday, must be left to the professionals," Sullivan said. "This past winter was an extremely mild one with minimal snowfall and these last few weeks have been very dry as well with little rain. The area being as dry as it is obviously increases the risk of fires that can spread quickly."

The Malden Fire Department is urging caution this Fourth of July and warning against the use of illegal fireworks. To report fireworks, call 911.

For more information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Website at - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/leave-fireworks-to-the-professionals