Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts because they are dangerous.

Every year in Massachusetts, Massachusetts medical facilities treat dozens of people for burns and traumatic injuries associated with fireworks. 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 without a permit and certification. The law applies even if you buy them legally in another state. Leave fireworks to the professionals and see a great professional fireworks display this year. 

Summer 2026 Permitted Fireworks Schedule Coming Soon!

Sparklers Are as Dangerous as Other Fireworks

Fireworks and sparklers are not safe, especially around children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,800° Fahrenheit.  This is hotter than the melting point of aluminum!  Children suffer some of the most severe burn injuries caused by sparklers. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that “there were an estimated 1,600 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 900 with sparklers” in 2020. This accounted for almost 10% of all fireworks-related injuries that year.  Of those 900 injuries from sparklers, 44% were to children under the age of 5. 

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. 

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. 

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.