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Chelsea, MA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Consumer Fireworks
BANNED. MGL c. 148 §39
Sparklers
Also illegal in MA
Licensed Displays
Permitted with §39A license
Fine (use)
$10–$100

Summary

ALL consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL c. 148 §39, including sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, and sky rockets. Chelsea enforces state law with no local exceptions. Only licensed professional displays permitted.

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 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 §39 prohibits possession, sale, use, and transport of all consumer fireworks statewide. Exceptions only for toy caps (<0.25 grains explosive) and licensed professional displays (§39A). Chelsea is a densely urban city with strict enforcement. Penalties: possession/use $10–$100; sale $100–$1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment.

Violations & Fines

Possession/use: $10–$100 fine. Sale: $100–$1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consumer fireworks legal in Chelsea?
ALL consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL c. 148 §39, including sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, and sky rockets. Chelsea enforces state law with no local exceptions. Only licensed professional displays permitted.
When can I set off fireworks in Chelsea?
Consumer Fireworks: BANNED. MGL c. 148 §39. Sparklers: Also illegal in MA. Licensed Displays: Permitted with §39A license. Fine (use): $10–$100.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chelsea

All Chelsea rules

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

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Fireworks in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle fireworks.

Revere, MA
Heavy Restrictions
Boston, MA
Heavy Restrictions