Winslow residents will be polled in November on whether they would like to restrict fireworks use to certain days of the year, ban use in town or continue to allow them.
The Town Council approved the nonbinding three-part question for the local ballot, said Town Manager Michael Heavener.
The council is “really looking for feedback,” Heavener said. “We’ll evaluate the votes, and then they can make a decision.”
The Legislature lifted the ban on use and sale of consumer fireworks two years ago. Municipalities can create their own rules to restrict them.
State law allows fireworks to be used between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day of the year, except for the Fourth of July and Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, and the weekends before and after those two dates, when the time extends to 12:30 a.m. the next day. Consumer fireworks can be used only on private property with the permission of the homeowner.
Since then, firework ordinances have varied in central Maine. In August, Benton voters rejected a measure to restrict fireworks use in town. Augusta, Gardiner, Waterville and other communities have outright bans of consumer fireworks.
Heavener said the council can ban or restrict the use of fireworks in the town, but members want to find out what residents think first.
The town is home of the Winslow Family 4th of July celebration, which draws thousands to the area and includes a large fireworks show, but Heavener said any decision made by the council is not expected to affect those fireworks. A town restriction would cover only private use.
“Communities could always have a licensed pyrotechnician discharge fireworks. That’s always been an option. I can’t image eliminating the commercial use of fireworks,” he said.
Last year, he said, the council discussed restricting the residential use of fireworks but decided not to create any restrictions.
The topic was brought up again because some councilmen have spoken with residents who want more restriction.
“I know some of the council have received complaints from residents about neighbors discharging fireworks,” he said.
Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
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