MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
Prince George’s County has banned the sale, use and possession of these fireworks based on the danger to our citizens caused by the misuse of these products. The danger is particularly high and a matter of concern for firefighters and paramedics as many New Year celebrations involve the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol may impair the judgement and common sense of the most well-intentioned individual and cause injury to themselves or innocent by-standers and ignite a fire.
The Law in Prince George’s County.
• It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn, or explode any fireworks in Prince George's County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
• Each year, thousands of people are injured and some killed in accidents involving the use of fireworks. These primarily involve those fireworks classified as 1.4g explosives by the U.S. Department of Transportation, commonly referred to as "consumer fireworks."
Remember, SAFETY FIRST, will ensure everyone goes home.
Keep in mind that other jurisdictions allow the use of certain consumer fireworks. Do not be confused with our law in Prince George's County - all consumer fireworks are illegal.
This is a News Release recently posted by the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
Maryland
State Fire Marshal
News Release
STATE FIRE MARSHAL SUGGESTS ATTENDING PUBLIC
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR
STATEWIDE (December 31, 2013) – With the arrival of the
New Year, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is suggesting that Marylanders
should attend public fireworks displays. “I would suggest the safest way to enjoy
fireworks is to attend one of the public fireworks displays offered throughout
the state.” stated Geraci. To
help Marylanders enjoy a safer start to the New Year, the State Fire Marshal
offers several ways to enjoy fireworks while avoiding injury:
- Consider attending a professional public
fireworks display instead of taking the chance on a potential injury from
a private display. Leave fireworks
to the professionals.
For those individuals who insist on the
use of consumer fireworks:
- Purchase the fireworks in the location where
you intend to discharge them. Check with the local municipality to
determine what fireworks are considered legal for use in that area.
- Read and follow label warnings and
instructions.
- Do not allow small children to use
fireworks.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while
using fireworks.
- Have a bucket of water or hose available
- Fully
extinguish remains of fireworks in water before disposal.
“Fireworks have been a long
tradition of New Year’s celebrations. Please
make safety your number one priority so everyone can enjoy the holiday season.”
adds the State Fire Marshal.
“By acting responsibly, we can help
eliminate fireworks injuries and property damage in Maryland.”
###
The Office
of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police
dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a
comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire
protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.
Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire
Marshal; 443-324-6876
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