Fall River Police cracking down on illegal fireworks, Mayor asks not to purchase or use

(Fall River, MA- June 22, 2020)- The City of Fall River and the Fall River Police Department are reminding community members that all fireworks are illegal. Government Center and the police department have received countless complaints of firework usage at all hours of the day and night. The FRPD has sector specific patrols working solely on addressing fireworks.

“I am respectfully asking our residents to not purchase or set off fireworks” said Mayor Paul E. Coogan. “Please be considerate of your neighbors and their pets. I understand the weather is getting nicer which allows for more outdoor activities, but these loud sounds are disturbing the quality of life for all and they are extremely dangerous. I know our police department is working diligently to answer these calls.”

“We are assigning officers to specifically respond to complaints related to fireworks,” said Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza. “Those found to be selling, possessing or igniting fireworks will have them seized and charged criminally.”

Residents are encouraged to call the Fall River Police Department’s general line to report firework complaints- 508-676-8511

The City of Fall River wants to remind residents of the City Noise Ordinance.

All noises that menace the health or interrupt or disturb sleep of residents of the City between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Sundays are hereby prohibited. The following noises are prohibited during those hours: those caused by trucks, the loading or unloading of trucks, all types of mechanical devices, including lawn mowers, and animals and birds.

It is also illegal for private citizens in Massachusetts to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect.

The sale of fireworks is punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both, and confiscation. The fine ranges from $100 to $1000 and imprisonment of up to 1 year.

Possession, use, or cause to explode of fireworks is punishable by a fine between $10 to $100 and confiscation.