Barrington police have noticed an increase in the use of fireworks this summer, as officials prepare for the Fourth of July holiday.
Barrington Police Chief Dino DeCrescenzo said it appears that …
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Barrington police have noticed an increase in the use of fireworks this summer, as officials prepare for the Fourth of July holiday.
Barrington Police Chief Dino DeCrescenzo said it appears that there are more fireworks being used this year, but he stopped short of saying that it was excessive.
That's different than in some communities, such as Providence and East Providence, where fireworks have become a serious issue. Cities and towns have even created special police patrols to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks.
In Barrington, the police are offering a reminder to residents that lighting off fireworks on town property, including Barrington Town Beach, Latham Park, Allin's Cove and at schools and playgrounds, is prohibited.
In addition, police are cracking down on illegal fireworks, such as firecrackers, M-80s, block busters, bottle rockets, mortars, or any other devices that launch a projectile or make a loud “bang.” (RI General Law 11-13-1 specifies what types of fireworks are banned in this state.)
According to police, "cone" fireworks which shoot sparks upwards of 3 to 7 feet and making crackling sounds are legal and can be purchased in local stores.
The Rhode Island State Police and State Fire Marshal have also issued reminders about fireworks safety.
"Each July 4th, thousands of people across the country, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks," stated the release. "Injuries range from burns, the loss of fingers and sometimes death. Additionally, consumer and aerial fireworks constitute on average almost 20,000 fires, per year, nationally."
According to the press release, the following type of fireworks are allowed in Rhode Island: Ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices; fountains; illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers; sparkers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers and dipped sticks.