July 4th Fireworks Warning

In anticipation of July 4th some warnings are called for. Last summer Seekonk seemed noisier than ever on that holiday, so apparently many households are not aware that fireworks are prohibited by law in Massachusetts. There are plenty of professional displays in a host of locales in the early days of July to sate the enthusiasm of fireworks fans. Private eruptions should not be needed and are ILLEGAL for good reasons.

There are too many wooded areas in the residential neighborhoods of Seekonk and Rehoboth that could be set ablaze by the careless use of these incendiaries, and injuries also are not uncommon among bystanders. This is why the Commonwealth has banned private displays. It would be useful if the local schools would remind students of the law; it would be great if warnings were posted on signs around town. Unfortunately, last year dealers in fireworks set up shop in temporary stands right across the state line in East Providence, giving the impression that fireworks were o.k. in Massachusetts, but they are not, and it would be useful, if our fire department and police force could post some placard nearby declaring the illegality of such in Massachusetts.

It is far too easy for a small flame, whether a spark from a bonfire or fireworks, to set off a catastrophe. I know because I used to live in California, and my neighborhood burned down completely twice in 24 years! Recall that this year the nation witnessed days of fires destroying the beautiful suburbs of Los Angeles which were not nearly as wooded as Seekonk and Rehoboth.

Very sincerely,
Barbara S. Lesko