Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Fire Safety Director Michael Desrochers and other fire officials are encouraging Vermonters to leave the fireworks to the experts this Independence Day. Most fireworks are illegal in Vermont without a permit and pose serious injury risk. Possession, transportation and use of fireworks in which explosives are used, including those that are propelled by explosives, like firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, Roman candles, cherry bombs, and others are illegal in Vermont. The only exception is when a permit has been obtained from the appropriate municipal authority like a Fire Chief, Police Chief, Select Board, or City Council, depending on requirements of local laws.
Novelty items like sparklers, snakes, party poppers, glow worms, and others with no more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture do not require a permit and can be purchased in many stores throughout the State.
However, children should only use novelty items under adult supervision, as even those present a degree of danger when handled improperly.
Despite the efforts of Fire Safety officials and the Vermont Fire Service community to educate Vermonters about the dangers of fireworks, each year young children and adults are injured and first responders are called to help. The Division of Fire Safety is asking the public to help prevent injuries and fires resulting from unsupervised and improper use of novelties and fireworks.
The Division of Fire Safety and the Vermont Fire Service wishes everyone a safe holiday season. For more information regarding fire safety please visit our web page at www.firesafety.vermont.gov.