SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — With Wednesday marking the first Fourth of July since fireworks were legalized in Maine, police are cautioning folks to use them legally.
The city of South Portland has banned fireworks despite the change in state law to allow their sale, according to police Lt. Frank Clark.
He said in a release that “the use of fireworks in a densely populated area such as South Portland is a public safety concern.”
The city has investigated 104 fireworks complaints since January, including a whopping 67 in June alone, according to Clark. Only 13 complaints were investigated during the first half of 2011.
Those who attempt to possess, use or sell fireworks in South Portland could be fined at least $200 and up to $1,000 and face jail time, Clark said. He said local police will deploy plainclothes officers to try to catch perpetrators in the act during the July Fourth holiday.
State law also prohibits people under the age of 21 from purchasing, using or possessing fireworks, with fines ranging from $200 to $600.
Can’t say I’m a fan of all these southern Maine news stories that the BDN is publishing both online and in print. I suppose it’s just another cost saving measure so they don’t have to hire more writers of their own. Frankly if I want southern Maine news, I’ll buy the Portland Press Herald. Please stick to stories in central and northern Maine.
How about you just not read the stories from southern Maine if you have a issue?
Some people like knowing what is happening in the whole state and oh my gosh the rest of the world as well.
Read the byline, it is a BDN reporter. The paper has expanded their coverage into southern Maine.
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I for one hope the law is not repealed. A great many companies have spent a great deal of money to open stores, obtain the necessary state and local permits, construct or renovate buildings to meet state law and employee people.
Agreed JD. The problem is various towns and cities enact their own laws. Which is it, are they legal or not? It’s tough to know what’s what now. I can see all the firecracker police out this weekend now. Gawd…
I hope everybody in S. Portland has some fireworks to use. The forth of july speaks of the civil disobedient spirit that gave birth to this country.
In the famous words of a Maine Representative ” DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?”
Undercover Anti-Firecracker Units will be roaming the streets of South Portland.
I don’t care who you are thats just funny.