Fireworks are legal in New Hampshire. Here's what's allowed and what's not.

Hampton Beach is packed and the parking situation in Rye is glum. It's summer in New Hampshire, and with the warm weather comes crackles, glimmers and gushes of color in the sky.

New Hampshire is an anomaly in New England, in that consumer fireworks are legal in the Granite State. Likely not coincidentally, it's also estimated that some of the most fireworks-related injuries occur in New Hampshire and Maine, the two states in the region where they're legal.

During the summer of 2020, the pandemic put a fizzle on major Fourth of July fireworks usually put on by municipalities. Instead, people took pyrotechnics to their own backyards, resulting in the inevitable mayhem — a 50% increase in deaths and injuries in 2020 compared to 2019.

In 2021, most annual fireworks put on by professionals had returned, and fire safety officials encouraged people to attend those, rather than experiment with illegal or unsafe fireworks in your own backyard.

So you're wondering where and how you can safely and legally enjoy fireworks this summer? We have answers to your most-asked questions, New Hampshire.

Are fireworks legal in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, people 21 and older can purchase fireworks and use them on private property, but not in all towns. State law allows towns to implement their own restrictions, so make sure you check your local laws.

Lilac Family Fun Festivaland Fireworks scheduled for July 9

New Hampshire spends the most money on fireworks out of any New England state – importing more than $980,000 worth between January 2020 and March 2021, according to Allegiant Fire Protection.

Can you go to jail for fireworks in New Hampshire?

While consumer fireworks are legal in New Hampshire, you can be held liable in any civil action for damages to another’s property.

The state also reminds that illegal explosive devices are not fireworks. The possession or sale of illegal explosive devices should be brought to the attention of local police and fire, or the New Hampshire Department of Safety, the state says.

Are sparklers legal in New Hampshire?

Sparklers are listed by the state as "permissible fireworks," so yes, they are legal.

Where can I see fireworks in New Hampshire?

"The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional display," says the New Hampshire Department of Safety. "To learn more about a community-sponsored fireworks display near you, contact your local fire department for available dates and times."

Hampton Beach fireworks shows called off: The reason? Piping plovers are nesting.

This year, Hampton Beach scheduled 17 opportunities to view professional fireworks, but the future is uncertain because of federally protected piping plovers nesting.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Are 4th of July fireworks allowed in New Hampshire? Laws, penalties