Author: wenham

Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli and Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh, along with the Wenham Police and Fire Departments, wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year. More than half of those incidents took place during the week of July 4, 2022.

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

The Department of Fire Services posts a list of permitted municipal fireworks displays and updates it each week through the summer. Residents are encouraged to attend the fireworks displays and leave fireworks and explosives in the hands of professionals.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.

In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:

• Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
• Report illegal or suspicious fires to the police.
• Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
• Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.

The departments also urge residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:

• Be mindful of pedestrians.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021 approximately 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
• Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
• Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgement, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

The Wenham Police and Fire Departments wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.

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WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department wish to share safety tips with community members as they plan to cook, bake and enjoy holiday meals over the coming days and weeks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve are peak days for home cooking fires. During 2017–2021, unattended cooking was the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and casualties.

To help prevent cooking fires and burn injuries this holiday season, community members are encouraged to review the following tips from the NFPA.

• When using the stovetop, never leave anything cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• When simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• When frying or sautéing, heat oil slowly to the temperature you need. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells while cooking, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or towels — away from your stovetop.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from things like vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep the kitchen and dining room floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, bags or other items while cooking or handling food.
• Test your smoke alarms before cooking and make sure the batteries are replaced if needed.
• If you have a cooking fire:
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
  • If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the oven and leave the door closed. The oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave.

Additionally, the NFPA strongly discourages the use of deep fryers for cooking turkeys. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant or buying a fryer that does not use oil. Those who do use a fryer should use it on a sturdy, flat surface that is outdoors and at least 10 feet away from structures, including porches. Turkeys should be completely thawed and dried before being placed in a deep fryer to avoid flare-ups.

The Wenham Fire Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

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