Maine 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

Local ordinances:

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.

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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.

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Wilton: Requires a permit in any instance that would require a burn permit.

Winslow: Town permit needed for sale.

Winthrop: Use and sale banned.

Information from maine.gov and Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel reports.


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