MAINE LAW

• Fireworks 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

• 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.

Source: Office of State Fire Marshal

LOCAL BANS

AUGUSTA: Use and sale banned

WATERVILLE: Use and sale banned

WAYNE: Use and sale banned

LOCAL RESTRICTIONS

ANSON: Prohibited within 75 feet of a structure, on roads and on public property.

FAIRFIELD: Use is not allowed in public areas. Sale is allowed with permit.

FARMINGDALE: Use only between 5 and 10 p.m., except July 3-5 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. May not be used at all when the fire danger class is 4 or 5. Three complaints on any user will prohibit person from using fireworks in town.

GARDINER: Some restrictions on sale and use.

HALLOWELL: Use restricted to certain areas of the municipality.

MONMOUTH: Allowed 5-10 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: Use banned within one mile 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 and 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: Use banned within 50 feet of a structure; no use on class 4 or 5 fire danger day.

SKOWHEGAN: Use permitted; sale banned

UNITY: Use, sale and possession with intent to sell banned.

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

WINSLOW: Town permit needed for sale.

WINTHROP: Sale banned. Lengthy restrictions, including for days and hours of use.

For a complete list and more information on local restrictions and the state law, go to www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fireworks.

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

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