Two men from Nottingham, N.H., and Tewksbury are facing charges in Woburn District Court after Wilmington Police disrupted what was reported to be an illicit fireworks sale last Friday, based on a tip-off from a local resident and a flyer that advertised the high-risk merchandise out of 65 Industrial Way.
Upon receiving the notice, Wilmington officers set up a watchful eye on the scene, and a motor vehicle stop further confirmed the ongoing unlawful transaction of fireworks, leading the police to enter the building and apprehend the two, aged 56 and 49, who are now summoned to court over charges of sale and possession of fireworks; the operation unearthed an inventory of fireworks with an estimated street value of between $40,000 to $50,000 - this news comes against the backdrop of the State Fire Marshal’s Office releasing alarming statistics underscoring the dangers associated with unauthorized fireworks use which, over the past five years, have caused 559 fires and explosions along with 220 serious injuries throughout Massachusetts.
Overseeing the Wilmington Police Department, Chief Joseph Desmond was quick to highlight the perils of fireworks that breach state regulations, stating, "Fireworks cause injuries and fires each year in Massachusetts, and we will not tolerate their sale or use here in Wilmington," as reported by the Wilmington Police Department's official website; the site also pays homage to the sharp senses of the resident who flagged the illegal sale and praises the collaboration with the Wilmington Fire Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
With Maryland's stringent laws regarding fireworks, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine has emphasized the importance of licensing and certification, noting "our fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth the national average," and warning against the risks of fire, explosions, and legal repercussions for those who ignore these prohibitions, the State Fire Marshal's Office advises that these are just allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; for those seeking a safe display of pyrotechnics, further firework safety and information on properly licensed fireworks displays in Massachusetts are available on the Wilmington Police Department's official website.
