CT Police Warning: Fireworks for Personal Use are Illegal

• Sparklers and fountains of not more than one hundred grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, which are non-explosive and non-aerial, are legal for persons age 16 or older to use in Connecticut.
• Party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut.

In addition to being illegal, exploding devices are dangerous and have caused serious injuries in the past. A number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to fireworks, according to state police. More fires occur in the United States on July 4th than on any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Nearly half of those fires are caused by fireworks. Furthermore, according to the USFA, nearly 9,000 people are injured by fireworks annually and children under 15 years old account for 39% of the estimated fireworks injuries. 

 “Illegal fireworks bring with them the potential for property damage and they endanger human life. If a fire or explosion is made intentionally and causes damage or destruction, it could be designated as an arson, a class C felony,” noted Reuben Bradford of the Dept. of Emergency Services in the release.  The safest way to enjoy this year’s Fourth of July celebration is to attend a public display conducted at a state approved site by Connecticut licensed pyrotechnicians.