firework

Athol Police Station Temporarily Evacuated After Resident Brings Suspicious Pipe to Station

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Athol Police Department
Russell T. Kleber, Chief of Police
280 Exchange St.
Athol, MA 01331

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Athol Police Station Temporarily Evacuated After Resident Brings Suspicious Pipe to Station

This strange looking pipe with wires sticking out of one end was actually a commercial firework. Athol Police are warning the public to always call police if they see something suspicious, but please do not touch things like this or bring them into the police station, after a resident say the device on the side of the road and brought it into the police station on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Athol Police)
This strange looking pipe with wires sticking out of one end was actually a commercial firework. Athol Police are warning the public to always call police if they see something suspicious, but please do not touch things like this or bring them into the police station, after a resident say the device on the side of the road and brought it into the police station on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Athol Police)

ATHOL — Call it a case of “if you see something, say something, but please don’t touch it.”

Chief Russell Kleber reports that the Athol Police Department had to be evacuated for a short time earlier this evening after a resident saw a suspicious looking pipe with wires sticking out of one end laying on the side of the road and brought it to the police station.

The resident, who was only trying to do the right thing by alerting authorities about something potentially dangerous, was driving along South Athol Road near the Rt. 2 overpass at about 6 p.m. Tuesday when he observed the cardboard tube, which measured 3 feet long and 4 inches around. The resident placed it in the bed of his pickup truck and drove to the Athol police station on Exchange Street. He did not bring the device inside, but he parked the truck in front of the station and told a dispatcher what he found. This, unfortunately, triggered a set of protocols that resulted in the evacuation of the station.

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad was notified, and the Athol Fire Department immediately responded to the scene. An investigation determined that the tube was actually an unexploded commercial-grade firework. The fire department took possession of the device and will dispose of it safely. The police station was re-opened within about a half hour.

During the evacuation, Athol 911 calls were temporarily routed to the Massachusetts State Police/Shelburne Control communications center, as is standard procedure.

The resident’s name will not be released, and he is not facing any charges. However, Chief Kleber reminds and strongly urges anyone who comes upon a suspicious package or device to leave it where it is and to call 911 to ensure proper handling.

“We sincerely appreciate that this resident had the intention to make sure no children or innocent people were accidentally harmed by this unexploded firework,” Chief Kleber said. “We want to use this situation as a reminder to everyone to always call the police if they see something suspicious, and leave the transportation and disposal to the police officers and firefighters whose job it is to deal with these situations.”

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Berlin Fire Department Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

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Berlin Fire Department
Paul Zbikowski, Interim Fire Chief
23 Linden St.
Berlin, MA 01503

berlin-ma-fire-patchFor Immediate Release

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Berlin Fire Department Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

BERLIN — As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, Interim Fire Chief Paul Zbikowski and the Berlin Fire Department would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Citizens are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and then transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“We are cautioning residents against buying or using fireworks this season,” Chief Zbikowski said. “Anyone caught with fireworks is subject to confiscation and a $100 fine.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2006-2015, there were 775 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $1.8 million.

This doesn’t mean citizens cannot enjoy fireworks displays this holiday weekend and in the future. However, Chief Paul Zbikowski and the Berlin Fire Department recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety for all.

Residents should also remember to:

•Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
•Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
•Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
•Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2006-2015 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

“Fire officials across the state urge everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many public displays supervised by local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to the spend the holiday than the emergency room.”

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Ashland Police Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

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Ashland Police Department
Craig Davis, Chief
137 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-9003
Email: [email protected]

Ashland Police Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

ASHLAND — As the Fourth of July approaches, Chief Craig Davis and the Ashland Police Department are reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Citizens are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and then transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“If you are caught in possession of fireworks, they will be immediately taken away and you will be subject to a $100 fine,” Chief Davis said. “We strongly encourage the community to be cautious as they plan summer gatherings.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2006-2015, there were 775 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $1.8 million.

This doesn’t mean citizens cannot enjoy fireworks displays this holiday weekend and in the future. However, Chief Craig Davis and the Ashland Police Department recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety for all.

Residents should also remember to:

•Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
•Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
•Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
•Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2006-2015 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

“Fire officials across the state urge everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many public displays supervised by local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to the spend the holiday than the emergency room.”

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Burlington Fire Department Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

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FIREPA_1_001_small

Burlington Fire Department
Chief Steve Yetman
21 Center St.
Burlington, MA 01803

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-791-7627
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Fire Department Reminds Residents that Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

BURLINGTON — As the Fourth of July approaches, Chief Steve Yetman and the Burlington Fire Department would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Citizens are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and then transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“Safety is our top priority, Chief Yetman said. “Please be conscious that using fireworks puts yourself and others at risk for injury.”

Those found in possession of fireworks in Massachusetts also risk a fine of up to $100.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2006-2015, there were 775 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $1.8 million.

This doesn’t mean citizens cannot enjoy fireworks displays this holiday weekend and in the future. However, Fire Chief Steve Yetman and the Burlington Fire Department recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety for all.

Residents should also remember to:

•Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
•Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
•Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
•Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2006-2015 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

“Fire officials across the state urge everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many public displays supervised by local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to the spend the holiday than the emergency room.”

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