The Newtown Fire Marshal’s Office offers a reminder on the types of fireworks permitted to be used in Connecticut. Per Public Act 06-177, effective June 9, 2006, the only types of fireworks that can be purchased and used by Connecticut residents are sparklers and fountains. These items are defined by state law as “any sparkling device of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item.”

These fireworks can only give a shower of sparks. They cannot explode, and must be nonaerial.

Only persons 16 years of age or older can purchase and use sparklers and fountains.

Always use care and safe measures when handling these types of “legal” fireworks, Fire Marshal Richard Frampton further advises. Remember that these items burn at a very high temperature. The wire can reach temperatures of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) points out that by comparison, water boils at 212 F, cakes bake at 350 F, wood burns at 575 F, and glass melts at 900 F.

As always, the Fire Marshal’s Office wishes all residents a happy and safe summer and summer holiday season.

Additional Advice

The NFPA reminds all that while fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays, the only safe way to view them is to attend a professional show.

With many professional fireworks shows canceled this year, it is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries and fires each year.

Half of the fireworks injuries seen at emergency rooms are extremities: hand, finger, or leg. One-third are to the eye or other parts if the head, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 2018 Fireworks Annual Report.

The commission further reports that burns account for 44% of the 9,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4. Additionally, children ages 10-14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third (36%) of the victims of fireworks agencies under the age of 15.

Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually, also according to the CPSC report. Those fires included 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outdoor and other fires. The fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in property damage, according to the NFPA.

To get into the patriotic spirit without fireworks, NFPA suggests the following:

*Use glow sticks, which glow in the dark, are a safe alternative to sparklers, and are fun for all ages.

*Noisemakers can still make a statement, and can be found in stores or made at home.

*Organize an outdoor movie night.

*Red, white, and blue silly string can also be fun for all ages.

*Patriotic crafts can be fun for the whole family.

*Throw a birthday party for the USA, including a cake.