🦺 Safety First
Fireworks are fun when used safely. Follow these guidelines every single time — no exceptions.
Most fireworks injuries are preventable. A few simple rules make all the difference.
📋 Before the Show — Pre-Show Checklist
Check Local Laws First
Verify that fireworks are legal in your town before purchasing. Many Maine municipalities ban or restrict consumer fireworks. Use our Town Lookup Tool →
Choose a Clear, Open Area
Select a flat, open outdoor location well away from buildings, trees, dry grass, brush, and overhead power lines. Avoid shooting toward neighbors' property.
Set Up Water Source First
Have a full 5-gallon bucket of water and a connected garden hose ready before you open any packages. This is not optional.
Establish a Safety Perimeter
Keep spectators at least 35 feet away for smaller items. For large aerial shells, keep everyone at least 70 feet away on all sides.
Children Must Have Adult Supervision
Never allow children to handle fireworks — including sparklers — without a responsible adult directly supervising. Children under 12 should not handle any fireworks.
Never Use While Impaired
Operating fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Maine and extremely dangerous. Designate a sober adult to handle all fireworks.
Dress Appropriately
Wear close-toed shoes — no sandals or bare feet. Avoid loose, flowing clothing. Have safety glasses available for the operator.
Read All Instructions First
Read every label and instruction before lighting anything. Different products have different fuse lengths, trajectory angles, and safety distances.
Check Weather Conditions
Fireworks use is prohibited during high fire danger (Class 4 or 5 as rated by Maine Forestry). Avoid using in high winds — aerials become unpredictable. Check the forecast first.
🔥 During the Show
One at a Time
Light only one firework at a time, then immediately step back to a safe distance. Do not rush, do not "stack" lighting multiple items.
Never Lean Over to Light
Hold the lighter at arm's length. Never lean your face or body over any firework when lighting. Use a long-handled lighter or punk (slow match) for best safety.
Never Hold Aerial Fireworks
Aerial shells, mortars, and multi-shot cakes must be placed on flat, stable ground — never held in your hand, between your legs, or aimed at people.
Never Point at People or Property
Never aim any firework — including roman candles and sparklers — at people, animals, buildings, or vehicles. A misfire can cause serious injury or start a fire.
No Glass or Metal Containers
Never place fireworks inside glass bottles, metal cans, or any container. Fragments can become deadly projectiles upon explosion.
Never Modify Fireworks
Do not alter, combine, disassemble, or experiment with fireworks in any way. Modified fireworks are unpredictable and may constitute illegal explosive devices.
Firework Failed to Fire? — The Dud Protocol
A "dud" (firework that fails to ignite or doesn't fully fire) is one of the most dangerous situations. Follow these steps exactly:
- Do NOT approach immediately. Step back and wait a full 20 minutes before going near it.
- After 20 minutes, carefully carry a bucket of water to the dud — do not drag the dud.
- Soak the dud thoroughly in the bucket of water for several minutes.
- Leave the soaked dud to sit for another few minutes to ensure it cannot reignite.
- Wrap in wet newspaper or plastic bag and place in a non-combustible trash container.
Never: Re-light a dud | Carry it indoors | Put it in recycling
🧹 After the Show — Cleanup & Disposal
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Soak All Used Fireworks
Place all used shells, tubes, cakes, and paper items into the bucket of water immediately after use. Let them soak for at least 15–20 minutes before handling further. This prevents "smoldering" remnants from starting a fire after the show.
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Soak Any Duds or Misfires
Any firework that did not fully fire must be treated as a dud — follow the Dud Protocol above before handling.
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Dispose of in Regular Trash Only
Wet, soaked fireworks debris goes in a non-combustible trash container with regular household waste. Do not put in recycling, compost, or paper bags. Never put used fireworks in a trash can indoors.
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Inspect the Launch Area
Walk the entire area where fireworks were lit and landed. Look for any unexploded items, smoldering debris, or embers on the ground, in bushes, or on rooftops. Soak anything suspect.
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Check Again in the Morning
Fire can smolder overnight in dry grass or mulch. The next morning, walk the area again in daylight to ensure nothing was missed. Have the garden hose accessible overnight if conditions are dry.
👦 For Kids — Novelty Items Only
Even "safe" novelties require adult supervision. Here's what you need to know.
⚠️ Sparkler Safety — The #1 Misunderstood Danger
Sparklers are often handed to young children without a second thought — but they're one of the most common causes of fireworks burns. Here's why:
Sparklers burn at: Up to 1,200°F (649°C)
That's hot enough to melt gold, cause third-degree burns on contact, and ignite clothing instantly. A child dropping a sparkler on their foot can require emergency care.
- ✅ Children under 12 should not handle sparklers
- ✅ Always have an adult hand the lit sparkler and stand immediately next to the child
- ✅ Hold sparklers away from the body, never wave toward face or others
- ✅ Drop and step back when sparkler burns low — don't hold to the end
- ✅ Drop used sparklers directly into the water bucket — never on the ground
- 🚫 Never hold a bundle of sparklers — multiple sparklers burn 5x hotter
🎉 Safe Alternatives for Young Kids
For children under 8, skip the sparklers and try these fun, safer options:
Ask our staff at either Patriot Fireworks location for family-friendly novelty recommendations!
🚨 Emergency Information
If something goes wrong, act immediately. Don't wait to see if it gets worse.
For any fire, serious burn, or traumatic injury — call 911 immediately.
For any suspected poisoning or chemical exposure — available 24/7.
For any eye injury: do NOT rub the eye. Cover loosely and call 911 or go to ER immediately.
Cool burn with cool (not cold) running water for 10 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or cream. Seek medical care.
Before You Light — Know the Law
Safety isn't just physical — using fireworks illegally can result in fines, confiscation, and criminal charges. Check the rules for your town before you buy.
⚖️ Maine Fireworks Law Guide & Town LookupShop Safe. Shoot Safe. 🇺🇸
Every product we sell is tested, certified, and legal. Our staff is happy to answer any safety questions in store.