Deputy Chief Neil Furtado of the Fall River Fire Department, who also serves as the City Fire Marshal, delivered a public service announcement regarding fireworks safety. He emphasized that fireworks are illegal in the state of Massachusetts, regardless of where they are purchased, even if bought legally in another state. Chief Furtado highlighted the significant dangers associated with illegal fireworks, citing statistics from the past five years which show an average of 550 fires, numerous injuries, six firefighter injuries, and over one million dollars in damage annually across Massachusetts. Chief Furtado specifically noted the heightened risk in Fall River due to its close proximity of woodframe structures, which creates a "massive conflagration hazard" for firefighters. He advised residents to consult mass.gov for scheduled professional fireworks events and to support their local communities by enjoying displays put on by licensed professionals.
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City Officials
Hi, I'm Deputy Chief Neil Fatado, For Fire Department, city fire marshal. In the state of Massachusetts, fireworks are illegal regardless if you purchase them legally at another state. Each year, there's numerous fires. On average, the last 5 years, there's been 550 fires in the state of Massachusetts.
0:21Numerous injuries and six firefighter injuries to go with that, and well over a million dollars in damage. I know I see fireworks going off in other communities and just as they're illegal there and they're illegal in the city of Fall River, we do pose a significant risk due to our woodframe structures on top of each other in close proximity and it creates a uh massive confilgration
0:45hazard to our firefighters in the city of Fall River. On mass.gov, they show you all the scheduled events throughout the state. Support your local community and enjoy the fireworks put on by licensed professionals.