Happy Fourth of July North Haven!

Patch hopes your Independence Day holiday and weekend is filled with good times with family and friends. We also hope it is a safe holiday for everyone. 

It's also that time of year when we all need a safety reminder about fireworks and their proper use and legality. 

As Americans prepare to mark the Fourth of July, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America encourages residents to enjoy the holiday, but be safe and smart when it comes to the use of fireworks.  

A new report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents that in 2011 alone 17,800 fires were started by fireworks.  That is an increase from the 15,500 fires started on Fourth of July in 2010.  These fireworks also caused 1,200 structure fires, resulting in 8 deaths, 40 injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.  

“Actions have consequences so we all need to find safe ways to enjoy the holiday without letting fireworks get out of control,” advises Christopher Hackett, director of personal lines for PCI. “Let the Fourth be a reminder to not only prevent wildfires but also prepare our families financially and physically." 

As the July 4th holiday approaches, the Connecticut State Police remind residents that fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut.

The public has been overwhelmed with advertisement, signs, and sales pitches of so-called “fireworks.” July 4th always raises questions about what is legal as far as fireworks are concerned. Many questions are received by State Troopers, Fire Marshals, Resident Troopers, and local Police statewide regarding fireworks. The questions reveal that many people are confused as to which “fireworks” can be used by citizens in our state.

To avoid confusion and caution our citizens, Connecticut Law 29-357 is very specific:

Only sparklers and fountains of not more than one hundred grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, which are non-explosive and non-aerial, are legal in Connecticut. Sparklers and fountains can only be legally used by persons age 16 or older.

Novelty items such as 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 also been attributed to fireworks.

“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 Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

The safest way to enjoy this year’s Independence Day celebration is to attend a public display conducted at a state approved site by Connecticut licensed pyrotechnicians.