Mayor concerned about illegal fireworks

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) - Fireworks have long been a staple of July 4th celebrations across the nation. And local officials want to make sure people are celebrating safely.

Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan says he is concerned as the holiday approaches.

That's because his city shares a border with Tiverton where certain types of fireworks are legal statewide.

Fireworks remain illegal in Massachusetts, so Flanagan believes many residents are heading over the border to buy them.

"Companies from Tiverton have been advertising in Fall River," Flanagan said, "especially putting posters on our telephone poles."

Flanagan warns the consequences of using fireworks the wrong way could be deadly.

"Number one, it could ignite someone's house on fire, or even worse cause injury or death to somebody," Flanagan said. "So we're asking people to use good common sense. Don't use fireworks here in Fall River or anywhere else in Massachusetts."

The mayor also wanted to remind residents that because fireworks are still illegal in Massachusetts, people possessing ones purchased in Rhode Island are subject to arrest.

Mayor Flanagan encourages city residents to instead come to the city's full fireworks display, which will be held at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday along the Fall River waterfront.