Fireworks violations in Windham result in steep fines

By Ed Pierce

Violating Windham's fireworks ordinance can lead to steep
fines and forfeiture of explosive materials. COURTESY PHOTO

The Windham Town Council established a fireworks ordinance in 2016 and it applies to both commercial and residential use of fireworks.

The ordinance requires a permit for anyone wishing to use, display, or discharge consumer fireworks. Permits are issued by the Windham Fire-Rescue Department.

Councilors enacted the ordinance citing fire safety protection and to prohibit fireworks use at all hours of the day and night while standardizing which types of fireworks can be used in the town.

The ordinance specifies that an individual may use consumer fireworks only on their own property or on the property of a person who has consented, in writing, to the use of consumer fireworks there.

It also spells out the days and times when fireworks may be set off. Those days and times are as follows:

** Noon to 10 p.m. July 3

** Noon to 11 p.m. July 4

** Noon to 12:30 a.m. the following day December 31

** Noon to 10 p.m. January 1

According to the ordinance, no person shall use, display, discharge, fire, or cause to be exploded consumer fireworks within 150 feet of any buildings or structures.

Any person who uses consumer fireworks in the Town of Windham in violation of the provisions of the established ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $400, plus costs. For second and subsequent offenses, a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $600 per violation, plus costs, shall be imposed.

Each incident shall constitute a separate violation.

The ordnance is enforced by the Windham Police Department.

The Town of Windham may seize fireworks or consumer fireworks that the town has probable cause to believe are used in violation of this chapter or in violation of state law and shall forfeit the seized consumer fireworks to the state for disposal. <