DON’T LIGHT THAT FUSE! COUNTY AND STATE OFFICIALS DEMONSTRATE THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
THEY LOOK LIKE toys, wrapped in colorful paper with names like Conehead, Funky Fish and Rambo Kid.
But hidden beneath the advertising is a powerful explosive, with the ability to injure and burn even the most
careful user.
County officials joined with representatives from the New Jersey State Police and local police and fire
departments to demonstrate the dangers of illegal fireworks.
In the safety of the Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center in Waretown, law enforcement officials
displayed a collection of fireworks confiscated throughout the state.
“We’re not here offering safety tips on how to use fireworks,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “We’re
here to tell you that fireworks are illegal and anyone caught with them during the holiday, or anytime, will face
criminal charges.”
According to federal statistics, fireworks injure nearly 10,000 people every year throughout the United States.
The vast majority of those injuries occur during the two weeks leading up to and following July 4th.
“If you attempt to use these illegal devices, you are going to get hurt,” Vicari said.
The power of the explosive devices was demonstrated by professional firefighters, who lit several commonly
available fireworks to demonstrate both the force and unpredictability of the devices.
“Children are especially attracted to fireworks,” Vicari said. “Fireworks are not toys. Even a sparkler burns at
nearly 1,000 degrees.”
In New Jersey, it is illegal to sell or use any type of fireworks, said Major John Hunt, commander of the New
Jersey State Police Special Operations Section.
Possession of fireworks is a petty disorderly persons offense, but possession with the intent to sell is a
fourth-degree offense, with a possible maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
“The only fireworks that are legal in New Jersey are those used in shows under the control of licensed
professionals,” Major Hunt said.
Captain John Mount of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said a new safety threat has surfaced in recent
years.
“We’ve been receiving more and more complaints about homemade explosives,” he said. “People find the
instructions on the Internet and mix up these concoctions in soda bottles.”
In many ways, these homebrew fireworks are more dangerous than the store-bought variety, he said.
“There’s no fuse, so these things can go off at any time,” Mount said.
Freeholder John P. Kelly, who is Director of Law and Public Safety for the county, said anyone witnessing the use of
illegal fireworks of any kind should call their local police department.
“If you come across unexploded fireworks stay away,” Kelly warned. “Often, the fuses are unreliable and while
you may think the rocket or mortar is a dud, they can explode without warning.”
Stafford Township Chief Thomas B. Conroy said his officers would be responding to fireworks complaints.
“Besides the danger of bodily harm, we’ve had reports of fireworks shot onto roofs or into the woods where they
can start fires,” Conroy said.
Vicari said there will be many opportunities to enjoy fireworks safely this Independence Day.
“Many of our towns will be hosting shows throughout the weekend,” He said.
A listing of professional fireworks displays is posted on the Ocean County homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us.
“The best way to have a safe and happy July 4th is to leave the fireworks to the experts,” Vicari said.
to the Ocean County News Page