Fireworks Safety PSA - A Message from Deputy Chief Furtado

Fall River Government TV Jun 17, 2025

Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks without a permit or certification. This applies even if fireworks are purchased legally in another state. Deputy Chief & Fire Marshall, Neil Furtado, explains that hundreds of fires and injuries are caused from the illegal use of fireworks annually in the Commonwealth, and that it's important to leave it to the professionals. Illegal use of fireworks also includes sparklers. Sparklers, while seemingly safe, burn at a over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit... that's hotter than the melting point of aluminum! This means that improper disposal of sparklers can cause fires and improper use can cause severe burns. The Fall River Fire Department urges all residents to be smart and respect the laws when it comes to illegal fireworks during summer months.

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Transcript

3 blocks

0:00

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.

0:21

Numerous 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

0:45

hazard 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.