Those planning to include fireworks in their Independence Day celebrations should know the laws or rules that are in place in area communities:
Auburn, Rumford, Norway: Cannot be used or sold.
Lewiston: Restricted to three days and a specific discharge zone:
1. July 4 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
2. Dec. 31-Jan. 1 between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m.
3. Jan. 1 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Link to the map of acceptable discharge zone.
Sabattus: May be used between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., except the following dates when they may be used between 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day:
1: July 4
2. Dec. 31
3. The weekends immediately before and after July 4 and Dec. 31
Jay: Can be sold and used with a permit from the Fire Department. A permit can be obtained between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the day the fireworks are to be discharged. When a person requests a permit, they may be subject to an inspection of the site. The Board of Selectmen charges for the permit, with 50 percent deposited in an equipment reserve account for the Fire Department and the rest for the issuer of the permit.
May be used between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on the following days when they may be used between 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the next day:
1. July 4
2. Dec. 31
3. The Saturday and Sunday immediately before and after July 4 and Dec. 31.
Poland, New Gloucester, Farmington, Paris, Oxford: There is no town policy so general state guidelines are used:
May be used between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on the following dates when they may be used between 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day:
1. July 4 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
2. Dec. 31 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day.
3. The weekends immediately before and after July 4 and Dec. 31.
For towns not listed, contact the Town Office or go to the State Fire Marshal’s website.
Sam Vining of Hiram considers his fireworks purchase at Havoc Fireworks in South Paris in 2014. (Sun Journal file photo)
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