As the JULY 4^th holiday approaches, the Connecticut State Police and the Office of the State Fire Marshal want to remind everyone that fireworks are illegal in Connecticut. The public has been overwhelmed with signs and sales of so-called fireworks. The only legalized “fireworks” items are sparklers.

   July 2007 will be the 7th year that Independence Day will be celebrated since Connecticut legalized the use of SPARKLERS.  Questions received by State Police, Fire Marshals, Resident Troopers, and local Police statewide 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 are legal in Connecticut.  Sparklers are NON-EXPLOSIVE, NON-AERIAL devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture. Sparklers can only be legally used by person age 16 or older.

   Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices are not legal for private use in Connecticut. In addition to being illegal, exploding devices are dangerous.  The illegal exploding devices have caused serious injury in the past.

   The Office of the State Fire Marshal reported that a number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to fireworks. The danger that exists with these types of incidents, besides the damage to property, is the endangerment to human life. If a fire or explosion of any type causes damage or destruction, the intentional starting of that fire or intentionally causing that explosion could be designated as an ARSON, which is a class C felony.   

   The safest way to enjoy these years Independence Day celebration is to attend a public  display conducted at a state approved-site by Connecticut licensed pyrotechnicians.

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Lt. J. Paul Vance