MAINE LAW
• Fireworks can only be used from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except certain holidays, including July 4.
• They must be used on one’s own property unless permission is given to use another’s property.
• They can not be possessed by, or furnished to anyone younger than 21.
SAFETY TIPS
• Avoid areas or conditions that are susceptible to fires, such as dry grass or timber.
• Keep a garden hose, water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Wear eye protection.
• Follow all directions provided on packaging.
• Light only one device at a time.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Be considerate of neighbors, pets and the environment.
• Clean up debris when finished.
• Stand clear of any device that does not discharge for at least 15 minutes. Then douse it in water.
• Maintain close supervision of children; keep them at a safe distance and make sure fireworks are kept out their reach.
Source: Office of State Fire Marshal
LOCAL BANS
AUGUSTA: Use and sale banned
WATERVILLE: Use and sale banned
WAYNE: Use and sale banned
LOCAL RESTRICTIONS
ANSON: Prohibited within 75 feet of a structure, on roads and on public property.
FAIRFIELD: Use is not allowed in public areas. Sale is allowed with permit.
FARMINGDALE: Use only between 5 and 10 p.m., except July 3-5 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. May not be used at all when the fire danger class is 4 or 5. Three complaints on any user will prohibit person from using fireworks in town.
GARDINER: Some restrictions on sale and use.
HALLOWELL: Use restricted to certain areas of the municipality.
MONMOUTH: Allowed 5-10 p.m. July 3-5, Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the two days before each; no louder than 45 decibels.
OAKLAND: Use banned within one mile of Memorial Hall; allowed in other parts of town Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 28-July 3 and July 5-July 11, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; July 4, 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; special permits available for weekend days throughout the year.
RANDOLPH: Use banned within 50 feet of a structure; no use on class 4 or 5 fire danger day.
SKOWHEGAN: Use permitted; sale banned
UNITY: Use, sale and possession with intent to sell banned.
WILTON: Requires a permit in any instance that would require a burn permit.
WINSLOW: Town permit needed for sale.
WINTHROP: Sale banned. Lengthy restrictions, including for days and hours of use.
For a complete list and more information on local restrictions and the state law, go to www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fireworks.
Information from maine.gov and Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel reports.
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