A bomb squad from the state Fire Marshal’s office came to Marblehead on Monday to detonate a two-inch firework found on the Green Street playground. The firework was in a small rack with three PVC tubes.
“This was obviously unsafe, especially near a playground,” Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current. “We notified the bomb squad and they rendered it safe,” by exploding it. First, the bomb technicians moved the device from the playground to an isolated area of the Transfer Station.
Gilliland doesn’t know who left the firework there, but he’s not surprised.
“I expected this could happen after the (town’s July Fourth) fireworks were canceled. It brought out everybody and their brother with illegal fireworks.”
Police Chief Dennis King said he received about 10 calls on July 4 reporting illegal fireworks.
“Based on the calls, my concern is the amount of illegal fireworks and the danger they create,” King said.
“Anytime you possess, sell or use fireworks in Massachusetts you’re committing a crime and could be subject to confiscation of the fireworks, a fine or arrest in some circumstances,” King added. “It’s totally irresponsible to light off fireworks, especially in a town where many houses are close together or in wooded areas, parks or trails. I really wish people would think it through when they are setting off an explosive in town and the consequences that could result.”
