Wednesday, July 2, 2014

CSP Warning: Fireworks in Connecticut are Illegal for Personal or Home Use


As the JULY 4th 2014 holiday approaches, the Connecticut State Police and the State Fire Marshal want to remind everyone that fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut.
The public has been overwhelmed with advertisements, signs, and sales pitches of so-called fireworks. It is important to understand that the only legal “fireworks” items in Connecticut are sparklers and fountains.
July 4th always raises questions about what is legal as far as fireworks and sparklers are concerned.  Many questions are received by State Troopers, Fire Marshals, Resident Troopers, and local Police statewide regarding fireworks.  The questions reveal that many people are confused as to which “fireworks” can be used by citizens in our state.
To avoid confusion and caution our citizens, Connecticut Law 29-357 is very specific:
Only sparklers and fountains of not more than one hundred grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, which are non-explosive and non-aerial, are legal in Connecticut.  
Sparklers and fountains can only be legally used by persons age 16 or older.
Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. In addition to being illegal, exploding devices are dangerous and have caused serious injury in the past.
A number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to fireworks.  These types of incidents have the potential for property damage and they endanger human life. If a fire or explosion is made intentionally and causes damage or destruction, it could be designated as an arson, a class C felony.
The safest way to enjoy this year’s Independence Day celebration is to attend a public display conducted at a state approved site by Connecticut licensed pyrotechnicians.

~Lt. J. Paul Vance

...If you witness anyone in your neighborhood using illegal fireworks, contact the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-465-5400.


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