News Summary
In response to a tragic fireworks incident in Wareham, local police in Massachusetts are advising residents not to use 911 for reporting illegal fireworks. This call comes after a man died from a firework explosion. With a rise in fireworks-related accidents during the Fourth of July season, authorities stress that 911 should be reserved for genuine emergencies. Alternatives for reporting, such as dedicated non-emergency lines, are now available to help manage the situation, especially as investigations into the incident continue.
Wareham, Massachusetts — In the wake of a tragic incident on July 4 involving illegal fireworks, local police departments across Massachusetts are urging residents to refrain from calling 911 to report fireworks-related activities. Instead, authorities are emphasizing that 911 should be reserved exclusively for genuine emergencies.
Following the deadly accident that claimed the life of a 70-year-old man who was setting off fireworks, this advisory comes as officials are grappling with an increase in illegal fireworks use during the Independence Day holiday. The victim, identified as Robert Spagnuolo, died at the scene in Wareham when a firework exploded in his face around 9:19 p.m. on Beach Street, highlighting the dangers associated with fireworks usage.
Massachusetts law explicitly prohibits the use of fireworks without the appropriate licensing and certification. Authorities are legally obligated to seize any illegal fireworks, regardless of whether they were purchased legally in other states. Individuals found using or in possession of illegal fireworks could face fines, while those who sell them could encounter jail time.
Over the past five years, Massachusetts has experienced more than 200 serious injuries and over 500 fires and explosions linked to illegal fireworks, incurring damages estimated at nearly $1 million. Emergency department visits due to fireworks-related incidents notably peak during the months of June and July.
To manage the surge in fireworks incidents during this holiday period, the Boston Police Department has established a dedicated non-emergency line for residents to report fireworks-related concerns. This line operates from July 3 to July 6 and can be reached at (617) 343-9800. In addition, residents in Worcester can utilize the Worcester 311 app to report issues, while those in Chicopee are encouraged to call 413-594-1700 unless there is an emergency.
Investigations into Spagnuolo’s death are being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police, Wareham Police, and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal. The official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
As the Fourth of July approaches, authorities are increasingly monitoring fireworks activity, and they continue to advocate for public safety. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services maintains a list of permitted fireworks displays available throughout the summer, encouraging residents to leave fireworks to the professionals to mitigate risks. Notably, the unlawful sale of fireworks is classified as an arrestable offense within the state.
In summary, police officials are stressing the importance of using 911 solely for emergencies while providing alternative contact methods for reporting fireworks-related activities. The recent tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential hazards associated with illegal fireworks use during celebratory occasions.
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Fireworks
- MassLive
- Google Search: Massachusetts fireworks safety
- Boston Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fireworks
- CBS News
- Google News: fireworks incident wareham
