At the request of the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen and Code Enforcement Officer Rick Lang, town officials will begin investigating fireworks ordinances.
Lang presented information on the new state law legalizing fireworks to the selectmen at their Aug. 2 meeting. He suggested the town “remain proactive” in regard to several aspects of fireworks legislation left open to towns.
After a brief discussion, the Board of Selectmen voiced their intent to hold a public hearing on the subject in September to gauge residents’ views on restricting fireworks sale and use. An exact date for the public hearing was not set.
According to materials Lang provided to the selectmen, Maine’s fireworks law allows for the possession, sale and use of fireworks. Towns may not ban the possession of fireworks, but may restrict or prohibit their sale and/or use, Lang said.
Lang told the selectmen he has received multiple inquiries from local businesses interested in selling fireworks.
Under state law, there are heavy restrictions placed on fireworks sellers, including the requirement that fireworks be sold and displayed in a separate building, Lang said, and a host of safety precautions. Fireworks sellers will be required to have both state and federal licenses.
“I can see several potential problems here,” Lang wrote in a memo to the selectmen dated July 27. “The only state regulation [on use of fireworks] is that the person using the fireworks be on their property or have permission of the property owner. Fireworks can become a real nuisance, being shot off late at night and/or many nights.”
According to Lang’s memo, the town may restrict use of fireworks to certain days of the year or hours of the day, or may ban their use completely.
