Residents, politicians debate proposal to legalize fireworks

A proposal by state Rep. Richard Bastien, R-Gardner, could make fireworks legal in Massachusetts, leaving local citizens, fire departments and politicians with mixed feelings.Those who were for the proposal seemed to think that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July as long as they are handled responsibly by adults.Marblehead parent Allen Kamer said he would approve of a legalization, especially for fireworks like sparklers, a popular choice for children.”I think that small fireworks should be legal – things that people can handle safely on their own and are low-risk for children,” Kamer said.Josh Lee, a musician from Lynn, said legalizing fireworks is a “great idea.”But Lee also acknowledged that there could be risks.”There should be restrictions, but not a ban,” he said.Three teen friends, Mara Ramos, Maria Pena and Luz Diaz, say they like to watch the amateur fireworks that people set off around Lynn during the Fourth of July weekend.Diaz says though she likes to watch them, she wouldn’t want to set them off herself.”I’m scared of them,” she said.Those against the proposal worried that no matter the rules or restrictions made to control the use of fireworks, they could become dangerous.Lee’s friend, Andrew Ware of Swampscott, thought if fireworks were legalized, people would take extra liberties that could disturb others.”It’s a hazard. I see it as a bad idea,” said Ware. “If you’re going to legalize it, have restrictions like where you can do it and how late at night. They shouldn’t be used at 10 o’clock at night in your backyard.”Others worried about what they called the “inherent dangers” to using fireworks.”I’d rather have them professionally managed,” said Starr Williams, a Lynn resident.State Rep. Kathi Reinstein, D-Revere, said she would vote against the proposal.”I have been approached by many, many firefighters and they’ve provided me with all kinds of facts and figures as far as how dangerous that is, and I am not supportive of that,” said Reinstein.State Rep. Donald Wong, R-Saugus, said he wouldn’t vote for the proposal until he knew all the restrictions.”It would all depend on what the circumstances are and what is going with that law,” said Wong. “I know that some towns and cities do allow it if they have a fire marshal on hand. As long as they have legal-age parents watching over it, like if there was a birthday party for little children, I don’t see damage with that.”Wong went on to say that when using fireworks, people should always be careful.”Even sparklers, if you throw them in a haystack it could start a fire,” he said.Saugus Fire Chief James Blanchard worries that legalizing fireworks could strain medial and fire department resources with more fires and injuries.”We hold our breath every Fourth of July,” said Blanchard. “People don’t take precautions. Even professionals have accidents.”Lynn District Fire Chief Jack Barry agrees.”They’re not safe and they’re illegal for a reason,” he said. “Personally and professionally, I think it’s the wrong thing to do. The state fire chief is against it, and from a fire safety point of view, he’s totally right.”