State Police Emphasize

Fireworks’ Hazards

State police spokesman Sergeant J. Paul Vance is reminding residents that “fireworks” are illegal in Connecticut in light of the coming July 4 holiday weekend.

The only legal pyrotechnic devices in the state are “sparklers,” according to the sergeant.

This year is the fourth year that sparklers have been legal. Sparklers may be used only by people at least 16 years old. Sparklers are nonexplosive, nonaerial devices containing less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic matter.

Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices, and any pyrotechnic that emits a flame are illegal for private use in the state, according to Sgt Vance.

Exploding devices are dangerous and can cause serious injuries, he said.

In the past, besides personal injuries, the illegal use of fireworks has been responsible for house fires and grass fires.

State police urge that instead of using illegal fireworks, residents attend public fireworks displays conducted by state-licensed pyrotechnicians.