Crime & Safety

2 Injured in Fireworks Accident

Two adults were injured in Pelham, one suffering severe injuries. The state fire marshal reminded residents to use extreme caution with consumer fireworks.

Two people were injured, with one suffering severe injuries, during a Fourth of July fireworks accident that is being investigated by the state fire marshal and Pelham safety officials.

The accident involved consumer fireworks. It occurred July 4 at about 7:14 p.m. at 3 Indian Valley Road in Pelham.

The names of the adults injured were not immediately released as the investigation by State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan and Pelham Fire Chief James Midgley continued over the weekend.

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The person suffering the severe injuries was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The injuries resulted from an explosion involving a consumer fireworks device known as a "Reloadable Mortar," which was similar to an incident in Pelham in 2012 on Dodge Road.

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The state fire marshal urged extra caution with consumer fireworks.

In 2013, consumer fireworks caused about 11,400 injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

The Fire Marshal re-issued a safety reminder and tips following the Pelham accident:

  • You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess and use permissible fireworks in New Hampshire.
  • You must be on property that you own, or have written permission from the landowner.
  • You must be in a community that has not restricted the use of permissible fireworks by a local ordinance.
  • Never consume alcohol if you are using fireworks.
  • ALWAYS read and follow the safety instructions that come with each device.
  • Ask the sales representatives at the fireworks stores for additional safety information or even instruction, if you have never used the device before.
  • ALWAYS were personal protection equipment for your eyes, ears and hands. Wearing a helmet, a long sleeve shirt and pants will also provide additional protection.
  • NEVER let children ignite or use permissible fireworks.
  • Keep your family and friends at a safe distance.
  • Be respectful to your neighbors and your pets.
  • Have a method of extinguishing a fire available and always call 911 in the event of an emergency or injury.
  • NEVER attempt to re-ignite a device that has failed to fire.
  • NEVER hold a permissible fireworks device in your hand.
  • Always clean up your debris when you are finished, and wet down all debris before throwing it away to prevent a fire. You can be held civilly liable for damage done to someone else’s property.


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