Fall River, MA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- MGL Ch. 148 §39: all fireworks illegal
- Includes Sparklers
- Yes: total ban
- Penalty (Possession)
- Up to $100 fine and/or 1 year
- Penalty (Sale)
- $100–$1,000 and/or 1 year
Summary
All consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39. Fall River strictly enforces this prohibition. Possession, use, or sale of fireworks by private citizens is a criminal offense.
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. Any officer qualified to serve criminal process may arrest without a warrant any person who shall sell or keep for sale or offer for sale any fireworks in violation of this section and any fireworks found in his possession or under his control upon conviction of such a violation shall be forfeited to the commonwealth. 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.
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts is one of the strictest states regarding fireworks. MGL Ch. 148 §39 makes it illegal for any person to sell, offer for sale, use, or have in possession any fireworks. This includes sparklers, roman candles, bottle rockets, and all consumer-grade fireworks. Only licensed professionals may conduct public fireworks displays with a permit from the local fire department and State Fire Marshal. Fall River PD actively enforces this ban, especially around holidays.
Violations & Fines
Possession or use of fireworks: fine up to $100 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year. Sale of fireworks: fine of $100–$1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are consumer fireworks legal in Fall River?
When can I set off fireworks in Fall River?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
How Fall River compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle fireworks.