Fireworks Safety Notice

FIREWORKS SAFETY NOTICE
The following recommendations are offered to use fireworks safely by the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service
• A person may use consumer fireworks only on that person's property or on the property of a person who has consented to that use of fireworks on that property.
• Consumer fireworks may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. except on the following dates when they may be used between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day:
o July 4th
o December 31st, and
o The weekends immediately before and after July 4th and December 31st
• Users and those in possession of consumer fireworks must be 21 years of age.
• Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies, do not handle fireworks that fail to go off. Use a long-handled shovel to scoop up the firework and immerse it in the bucket of water.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people and children are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Always use fireworks according to the manufacturer’s directions and guidelines.
• Always use eye, ear, and hand personal protective equipment.
• Observe all local laws and ordinances.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• When the use of fireworks is done, continue to watch the area of use to be sure that all fireworks debris is out and not smoldering or hot.
• Search any forested area adjacent to and downwind of the ignition site looking for hot or smoldering debris. Scan the forest canopy, as well as the ground. If a wildfire occurs as a result of negligence, then you may be responsible for fire suppression costs.
• In case of emergency, dial 911.