Important Fireworks Information from Fire Marshal Degnan and the Plaistow Fire Department

Fire Marshal Degnan wishes to remind all citizens and visitors to New Hampshire that individuals must be both licensed and locally permitted to sell fireworks, and that fireworks can only be offered for sale or purchased from one of twenty seven (27) approved retail store locations.

Fire Marshal Degnan also stated that consumers need to be extremely careful if they choose to use “permissible” consumer fireworks as part of their celebration. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,900 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2015. The majority of those injuries occurred during a 30-day period surrounding the 4th of July.

Fire Marshal Degnan stated the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a professional display put on by your local community, but if you are going to use consumer fireworks, use the following safety tips:

1.  You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess and use permissible fireworks in New Hampshire

2.  You must be on property that you own, or have written permission from the landowner.

3.  You must be in a community that has not restricted the use of permissible fireworks by a local ordinance.

4.  Never consume alcohol if you are using fireworks.

5.  ALWAYS read and follow the safety instructions that come with each device.

6.  Ask the sales representatives at the fireworks stores for additional safety information or even instruction, if you have never used the device before.

7.  ALWAYS wear personal protection equipment for your eyes, ears and hands. Wearing a helmet, a long sleeve shirt and pants will also provide additional protection.

8.  NEVER let children ignite or use permissible fireworks.

9.  Keep your family and friends at a safe distance.

10. Be respectful to your neighbors, veterans, and pets.

11. Have a method of extinguishing a fire available and always call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency or injury.

12.  NEVER attempt to re-ignite a device that has failed to fire.

13.  NEVER hold a permissible fireworks device in your hand.

14.  Always clean up your debris when you are finished, and wet down all debris before throwing it away to prevent a fire.

15.  Remember: You can be held civilly liable for damage done to someone else’s property.

For more information on fireworks safety, contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office – Fireworks Safety & Enforcement Section at fmo.fireworks@dos.nh.gov or 603-223-4289.