Conway PD: Don’t shoot off fireworks in town

CONWAY — With the Fourth of July holiday approaching this weekend, Conway Police Chief Christopher Mattei is reminding residents and visitors that while consumer fireworks are legal to possess in New Hampshire, they are illegal to set off within the town of Conway.

Under Conway's fireworks ordinance, adopted under state law, the display and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited within town limits. State law allows municipalities to decide whether to permit or prohibit fireworks, and Conway has chosen to prohibit them.

The ordinance defines a display as the use, ignition, discharge, firing or any other activity intended to cause a firework to function as designed.

Mattei said the department has enforced the ordinance in the past. A first offense carries a $100 fine, while a second offense is a misdemeanor under state law.

The chief said officers typically address violations with the person who owns or is responsible for the property where the fireworks are being displayed.

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Conway PD: Don’t shoot off fireworks in town

"Every year, the department takes in a large number of calls, especially during the week of July 4th, from concerned residents regarding the display of fireworks. Many of these concerns center around animals who have a hard time with the loud noises," Chief Mattei said. 

"This year appears to be no different as we have already started to receive complaints approaching the holiday weekend. We ask that everyone respect the Conway town ordinance and refrain from displaying fireworks. If you would like to enjoy a fantastic fireworks display, come out and support the town-sanctioned fireworks on Saturday night." 

The state of New Hampshire keeps lists of which towns allow and disallow fireworks. Albany, Bartlett (with minor exceptions), Madison, Wakefield and Wolfeboro also ban fireworks.

 Freedom and Tamworth allow fireworks under certain conditions.

Fireworks are allowed in Brookfield, Eaton, Effingham, Hart’s Location, Ossipee and Sandwich.