HOLDEN, Maine — After a public hearing on the matter on Monday night, town councilors voted to adopt a consumer fireworks ordinance aimed at providing a longer quiet time on weekdays for the benefit of those who work early shifts and or do shift work.
The new ordinance for fireworks users took effect upon adoption and has been posted on the town’s website, according to Wanda Libbey of the town office staff.
Before the new ordinance was adopted, Holden residents were able to shoot fireworks off under the provisions set by state law.
The proposed ordinance also would set criteria for use of consumer fireworks based on “Fire Danger” levels, Town Manager John Butts said last week.
The state law that took effect in 2012 allows displays of consumer fireworks on one’s own property — or on other property if the owner consents — from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The hours are extended until 12:30 a.m. the following day for the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, and the weekends immediately before and after those two holidays.
State law, however, also allows municipalities to limit or ban the use of fireworks.
After receiving noise complaints from some early risers in the community, town officials agreed to consider limiting the hours during which fireworks displays can take place, Butts said.
According to Holden’s new rules, summer hours for fireworks displays start on the first full day of Daylight Savings Time and end on the last full day of Daylight Savings Time. Consumer fireworks may be used during that period from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours continue to coincide with the state hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Winter hours begin on the first full day that the time reverts back to Eastern Standard Time and end on the last full day of Eastern Standard Time, the ordinance shows. During that period, consumer fireworks may be used from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours also coincide with the state hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With regard to fire danger levels, the use of consumer fireworks is banned when the fire danger rating is Class 3 or above, the ordinance states. Consumers are responsible for verifying the fire danger level with the Holden Fire Department, the town office or the Maine Forest Service, which has Holden in Zone 4.
All other state provisions and restrictions still apply.
First-time violators will at minimum receive a verbal warning. Second offenses will result in written warning and third and subsequent offenses a summons and a $200 fine.