With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. Before your family celebrates this year, the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office wishes to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
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Fire Marshal Paul Payne. Credit: Michael Dinan
Only sparklers and “shower” type fireworks are legal to sell and use in Connecticut. No aerial or exploding type fireworks are permitted to be sold or used in the state. (Go to the Family Fourth – you will see a tremendous professional show!)
- Only persons 16 years and older may use the above fireworks.
- Always keep at least 30’ away from spectators and structures and strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure you are in a clear, open area with no dried vegetation or other combustibles that can easily ignite.
- Never ignite fireworks while holding them – always have a level, stable surface to set them on.
- Do not lean over a display when igniting.
- Always have a garden hose or bucket of water available.
- If a display fails to discharge (a dud), NEVER look into it or pick it up – let it sit and then dunk it in a pail of water.
- Be extremely careful of sparklers – the metal sticks become red hot and can cause severe burns – have a bucket of water available to dunk them in when they have expired.
- Don’t throw used fireworks directly in the trash – keep them in a separate noncombustible container for at least 24 hrs. or soak them in a bucket of water to make sure there are no hot embers.
- Be mindful of neighbors and their safety.
- Most pets are terrified of fireworks so take necessary precautions to keep them safe.
For any questions regarding fireworks or any other fire safety questions please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.