Salem Fireworks Complaints Are Exploding

SALEM, MA — Officials in Salem and other North Shore communities are seeing more complaints and reports of fireworks, which are illegal in Massachusetts.

Salem police said they started noticing more complaints beginning June 1, prompting other city officials to turn to social media to ask residents to stop. But it's not clear why there are so many more incidents this year than in previous years.

After this article was published Monday morning, Salem officials announced a campaign to crack down on illegal fireworks. The plan includes a public education campaign, an anonymous reporting tool and targeted interventions in problem areas. Mayor Kim Driscoll also plans to file an ordinance with the City Council to triple the current fines to $300.

Salem City Councilor Josh Turiel said in a Facebook post that while driving home on Palmer Street Saturday the entire street was littered with fireworks debris from Friday night. "I know [police are] trying to identify the worst daily hotspots and deal with them, and hopefully that can make an impact on the issue without a Summer of Boom in Salem," he said.

"I don't know why it's suddenly so much worse than usual (maybe the boredom of being mostly cooped up), but it clearly is and we're not alone here," Turiel said. "Simply put, the people firing them off really don't care. They go to New Hampshire, buy fireworks, bring them back, and spend the night lighting them off - hiding as soon as a police cruiser is sighted - IF one can get there in time."

Selling, possessing or purchasing fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts, but they are easily and legally bought in New Hampshire. In Massachusetts, fines range from $10 to $100 for use or possession of fireworks. Salem also has a local fine of $50 for violating the local noise ordinance with fireworks.

"Fireworks can create significant stress and anxiety for people (and animals) sensitive to loud noises, such as our elderly population, combat veterans and individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)," Salem police said in a statement. "Be considerate – don’t use fireworks."

In her own Facebook post, Mayor Kim Driscoll said the problem isn't limited to Salem and that towns and cities across the state are seeing an increase in complaints. She asked residents who hear fireworks to call the Salem police non-emergency line at 978-744-1212.

"We hope our enforcement efforts get the message across to those who use illegal fireworks that neighbors are fed up with careless revelers putting themselves and others in danger by lighting powerful explosives in populated areas," Driscoll said. "If you have ideas on how to prevent this activity in your neighborhood, please share them."