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Boston, MA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Consumer Fireworks
All illegal
Sparklers
Also illegal
State Law
MGL c. 148 Section 39
Sale Penalty
$100-$1,000 + jail

Summary

All consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts including sparklers. Boston enforces this strict statewide ban with confiscation and fines under MGL Chapter 148 Section 39.

Section 39. No person shall sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any other article, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. For the purposes of this section the word ''fireworks'' shall include compositions, substances or other articles and shall also include blank cartridges or toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of toy balloon which requires fire underneath to propel the same, firecrackers, cherry bombs, silver salutes, M–80's, torpedoes, sky-rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, rockets, wheels, colored fires, fountains, mines, serpents, or other fireworks of like construction or any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance. Whoever shall sell or keep for sale or offer for sale any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both. [...] Whoever shall have in his possession or under his control, or whoever shall use or explode or cause to explode any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.

Source: MGL c. 148 Section 39View official code

Full Breakdown

MGL c. 148 Section 39 makes it illegal for any person to possess, use, sell, or transport any consumer fireworks in Massachusetts. This includes sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, rockets, and all other fireworks. Only toy caps with less than 0.25 grains of explosive are exempt. Professional displays require a Section 39A permit. BFD actively enforces the ban, especially around July 4th. Fireworks purchased in neighboring states like New Hampshire cannot legally be brought into Massachusetts.

Violations & Fines

Possession or use: $10-$100 fine. Sale: $100-$1,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment. Police must seize all fireworks found. Criminal charges possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consumer fireworks legal in Boston?
All consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts including sparklers. Boston enforces this strict statewide ban with confiscation and fines under MGL Chapter 148 Section 39.
When can I set off fireworks in Boston?
Consumer Fireworks: All illegal. Sparklers: Also illegal. State Law: MGL c. 148 Section 39. Sale Penalty: $100-$1,000 + jail.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boston

All Boston rules

How Boston compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Boston to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview

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