By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Franklin County, MA) The rash of illegal fireworks across much of Massachusetts has local fire departments warning against the dangers of this activity. Orange Fire Rescue recently posted on their Facebook page that illegal fireworks has been set off in their l0cation.
“In partnership with the Orange Police Department we would also like to remind residents not only that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, but they also pose a serious danger to both personal injury and property damage from fires,” said the department in the post.
There were 858 major fires and explosion in nineteen years, from 2000-2019, in Massachusetts. These fires resulted in property loss of almost $2.9 million, 12 civilian injuries, and 40 fire service injuries. The youngest victim of fireworks related injuries was a seven month old boy.
“Please leave the fireworks to the professionals. We all like to have a good time, but we also want everyone to be safe,” said the department.