Salem Triples Fines For Fireworks

SALEM, MA — Salem City Council approved raising the city's fine for setting off fireworks to $300 from $100.

The move comes after Salem police fielded 373 complaints and confiscated about 600 fireworks between July 1 and 5. The city saw an unprecedented number of complaints throughout the month of June, prompting Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll to propose the higher fines.

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.

Other Massachusetts towns have also seen an increase in fireworks complaints this year. Attorney General Maura Healey filed a cease-and-desist against New Hampshire fireworks retailers ordering them to stop advertising to Massachusetts residents.

Dave Copeland covers Salem and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).