The Office of the State Fire Marshal is once again warning Marylanders of the serious and life-altering dangers posed by illegal fireworks following multiple incidents over the Independence Day holiday, most notably a tragic injury to a young teen and the shutdown of an unauthorized fireworks show in Harford County.
According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
: On the evening of July 4th in Prince George’s County, a 14-year-old boy suffered a catastrophic hand injury while handling fireworks. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Investigators confirmed the fireworks involved were not legally permitted in Maryland, and the injuries are expected to result in permanent damage.
“This is exactly why fireworks should never be in children’s hands, especially when illegal and unregulated
,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.
“A holiday meant for celebration turned into a life-changing tragedy for this young man and his family.”
In a separate incident, Deputy State Fire Marshals assisted the Harford County Sheriff’s Office after they responded to reports of an illegal fireworks show in the Box Hill community of Abingdon. After the event was abruptly ended, authorities confiscated more than 1,300 fireworks, including dangerous aerial devices prohibited in Maryland. Charges are pending for those involved.
“Let this serve as a reminder to anyone considering an unpermitted fireworks show,”
said Mowbray.
“The incident in Abingdon was entirely avoidable. The community’s HOA could have easily sponsored the event by submitting a small permit fee, providing proof of insurance, and hiring a licensed fireworks company. That simple process would have made it a safe and legal celebration, instead of one that ended with fireworks being confiscated and public safety put at risk.”
Also over the holiday weekend, improperly discarded fireworks caused a fire in Wicomico County, igniting a garage and causing approximately $3,000 in damage. No injuries were reported, but the incident serves as a reminder that fire hazards can persist long after fireworks are used.
Despite these troubling events, most Marylanders celebrated responsibly by attending one of 99 public fireworks displays over the Fourth of July weekend.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to remind Marylanders that many fireworks sold in neighboring states are illegal to possess or use in Maryland. Only handheld and ground-based sparkling devices are legal in jurisdictions that allow them.
Fireworks Safety Reminders:
-
Never allow children
to handle or ignite fireworks. -
Soak used fireworks
in water before disposal. -
Keep a bucket of water or hose
nearby during use. -
Only use legal fireworks
in permitted jurisdictions. -
Never relight a “dud”
firework.
