HOULTON, Maine — While the Houlton Police Department did see an increase in the number of fireworks complaints this year, there were no serious injuries or incidents reported.
According to Lt. Dan Pelletier of the HPD, local police responded to more complaints of fireworks, firecrackers and other explosive devices over the July 4th holiday. However, no individuals were arrested or summonsed for fireworks offenses, even though the town has a strict policy regulating the use of such pyrotechnics.
Pelletier did not have the exact number of complaints his department received during the holiday, but the number was clearly the highest since fireworks became legal in the state Jan. 1.
“There was an increase, but it was nothing that was out of hand,” he said. “I think it was the newness of it all.”
Pelletier said, more than anything, it was an educational issue at this point.
“I think people just don’t know the laws involving fireworks yet,” he said.
In December, the town drafted a fairly strict ordinance to regulate where and when fireworks can be set off. The ordinance states that any person age 21 or older wishing to use fireworks may do so provided they are discharged in an area in excess of one acre. Also, fireworks may be discharged provided they are a minimum of 300 feet away from buildings, 100 feet away from wooded areas and 300 feet away from a public gathering of 25 or more people.
Fireworks are not allowed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. except for two holidays. On July 4, they are banned from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., while on New Year’s Day, they are banned between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Those in town limits wishing to shoot off fireworks are also required to contact the Houlton Fire and Police departments prior to their display. The fire department must be contacted so that the proper fire danger for that day can be determined, while the police department must be notified to avoid false alarms should a resident report hearing an explosion or gunshot.
“Right now, it’s the new toy in town type of thing,” Pelletier said.