Every year, Massachusetts medical facilities treat dozens of people for fireworks-related burns and traumatic injuries. Firefighters are called out to fires that damage or destroy homes and other properties. While these numbers are significant, Massachusetts' per capita fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth the national average. This is because Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks and other pyrotechnics without professional licensing and certification. The law applies even if you buy them legally in another state.
Don't risk a fire, a traumatic injury, or a day in court. Leave fireworks to the professionals and see a great professional fireworks display this year.
Summer 2026 Permitted Fireworks Schedule (Updated 8/7/26)
This list reflects permits filed with the Office of the State Fire Marshal by local fire departments.
| Display City | Date | Time | Display Location | Rain Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 8/7/2026 | 8:30 PM | 251 Topsfield Rd | n/a |
| Lowell | 8/7/2026 | 9:00 PM | Outfield @ LeLacheur Park - 450 Aiken Street | n/a |
| Worcester | 8/7/2026 | Post game | Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park | n/a |
| Brockton | 8/8/2026 | 9:00 PM | 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton | n/a |
| Burlington | 8/8/2026 | 9:00 PM | Burlington High School | 8/9/2026 |
| Nantucket | 8/8/2026 | 9:05 PM | Jetties Beach | n/a |
| Rockport | 8/8/2026 | 9:00 PM | Wharf Foad Granite Pier, Rockport | 8/9/2026 |
| Salisbury | 8/8/2026 | 10:15 PM | Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore | n/a |
| Danvers | 8/9/2026 | 8:30 PM | Danvers FalconFest | 8/16/2026 |
| Worcester | 8/14/2026 | Post game | Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park | n/a |
| Salisbury | 8/15/2026 | CANCELLED | Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore | n/a |
| Sturbridge | 8/15/2026 | 9:00 PM | Old Sturbridge Village | 8/16/2026 |
| Peabody | 8/16/2026 | 9:00 PM | 485 Lowell St | 8/23/2026 |
| Oak Bluffs | 8/21/2026 | 9:30 PM | Ocean Park | 8/22/2026 8/23/2026 |
| Leominster | 8/22/2026 | 9:00 PM | Doyle Field | 8/23/2026 |
| Plainville | 8/22/2026 | 9:15 PM | Telford Park | n/a |
| Salisbury | 8/22/2026 | 10:15 PM | Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore | n/a |
| Townsend | 8/22/2026 | 9:00 PM | NSGC Driving Range | 8/23/2026 |
| Worcester | 8/28/2026 | Post game | Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park | n/a |
| Salisbury | 8/29/2026 | 10:15 PM | Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore | n/a |
| West Dennis | 8/29/2026 | 8:15 PM | West Dennis Beach | 8/20/2026 |
| East Otis | 9/4/2026 | 9:00 PM | Sargent Rd. East Otis | TBD |
| Pawtucket, RI | 9/4/2026 | 9:00 PM | 900 Armistice Blvd | 9/5/2026 |
| Salisbury | 9/5/2026 | 10:15 PM | Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore | n/a |
| Lee | 9/18/2026 | 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 95 Marble Street | 9/19/26 |
| Worcester | 9/18/2026 | Post game | Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park | n/a |
Sparklers Are as Dangerous as Other Fireworks
According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, sparklers caused an estimated 700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2023. These injuries accounted for about 12% of all fireworks-related injuries that year. About 600 involved children, making sparklers the most common type of pyrotechnic device to injure children under 15.
In addition to causing injuries, sparklers are hot enough to cause fires -- even after they've been extinguished. In 2022, the unsafe disposal of sparklers caused a three-alarm fire in Dracut that displaced nine people.
Additional Resources
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Open PDF file, 188.16 KB, Fireworks Safety (English, PDF 188.16 KB)
Massachusetts Fireworks Law: MGL c. 148, s. 39
What does the law prohibit?
- It is illegal to use, possess, sell, or offer to sell fireworks in Massachusetts without the required licensure, certification, and permits issued by the State Fire Marshal and local fire department
- The law applies even to fireworks that were purchased lawfully in another state.
- The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation.
Is the law effective?
- Yes. The per capita rate of fireworks injuries in Massachusetts is about 1/5 the national rate.
Unlawful sale of fireworks
- Penalty: Fine or imprisonment or both, and confiscation
- Fine: $100 to $1000
- Imprisonment: Maximum of 1 year
- Seizure of fireworks: Mandatory
- Who can arrest? Any officer qualified to serve criminal process.
- Must an officer arrest? No. Statute says the officer may arrest without a warrant.
- Must an officer seize the fireworks? Yes, the statute says the officer shall seize any fireworks.
Unlawful possession or use of fireworks
- Penalty: Fine and confiscation only
- Fine: $10 to $100
- Seizure of fireworks: Mandatory
- Who can seize? Any officer qualified to serve criminal process.
- May an officer arrest? For possession, no. The statute only provides for a fine upon conviction and automatic confiscation of fireworks.
- Must an officer seize the fireworks? Yes, the statute says the officer shall seize any fireworks.
Seizure
Can people get their fireworks back? No. If convicted, the fireworks are forfeited and destroyed.
For Fire Departments Only
DFS can provide technical, compliance, and enforcement support, 24/7, especially during the July 4th week. For immediate help call:
- 508-820-2000 (outside regular business hours)
- 978-567-3375 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- These numbers are for fire departments only. For citizen complaints about the illegal sale or use of fireworks please call your local police department at 9-1-1.
Visit the Blasting, explosives, and fireworks page for more information.
Confiscated Fireworks for Police and Fire Departments Only
To notify the State Police Bomb Squad of confiscated fireworks, fire and police departments (only) should call 978-567-3310 during business hours. For 24-hour emergencies or large quantities, read this flyer on activating emergency resources.