Several central Maine communities have enacted ordinances restricting fireworks. For a complete state list and more information on the state law, go to www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fireworks.
Anson: Prohibited within 75 feet of a structure, on roads and on public property.
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Augusta: Ban on use and sale
Fairfield: Use is not allowed in public areas. Sale is allowed with permit.
Farmingdale: Use only between 5–10 p.m., except July 3–5 & Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. May not be used at all when the fire danger class, as designated by the Maine Forest Service, is a class 4 or 5 fire danger day. Three complaints on any user will result in that user not being allowed to use fireworks in Farmingdale.
Gardiner: Ban on use, sale is permitted (both are banned until July 11)
Hallowell: Use restricted to certain areas of the municipality. Contact city officials for more information.
Monmouth: Allowed 5 to 10 p.m. July 3-5, Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the two days before each; no louder than 45 decibels.
Oakland: Bans fireworks within a one-mile radius of Memorial Hall; allowed in other parts of town Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 28-July 3 & July 5-July 11, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; July 4, 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; special permits available for weekend days throughout the year.
Randolph: No use within 50 feet of a structure; no use on class 4 or 5 fire danger day.
Skowhegan: Use is permitted, sale is banned
Unity: Use, sale and possession with intent to sell banned.
Waterville: Use and sale banned.
Wayne: Use and sale banned.
Wilton: Requires a permit in any instance that would require a burn permit.
Winslow: Town permit needed for sale.
Winthrop: Use and sale banned.
Maine state law regarding possession and use of fireworks:
• They can only be used from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., except certain holidays, including July 4.
• They must be used on one’s own property, unless permission is given to use another’s property.
• They can not be possessed by or furnished to anyone younger than 21.
Safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office:
• Avoid areas or conditions that are susceptible to fires, such as dry grass or timber.
• Keep a garden hose, water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Wear eye protection.
• Follow all directions provided on packaging.
• Light only one device at a time.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Be considerate of neighbors, pets and the environment.
• Clean up debris when finished.
• Stand clear of any device that does not discharge for at least 15 minutes. Then douse it in water.
• Maintain close supervision of children; keep them at a safe distance and make sure fireworks are kept out their reach.
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