Can I go to jail for fireworks? Here are the laws in Vermont.

It's summer in Vermont, and with the warm weather comes crackles, glimmers and gushes of color in the sky. Displays of fireworks are a season favorite, when they're safe and done legally.

Most consumer fireworks are illegal in Vermont, as is the case for most New England states. They're legal in New Hampshire and Maine, where, likely not coincidentally, it's estimated some of the most fireworks-related injuries occur in the region.

During the summer of 2020, the COVID 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 encourage 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, Vermont.

Are fireworks legal in Vermont?

In Vermont, all fireworks – except sparklers and other novelty smoke devices – are illegal, aside from permitted, supervised public displays.

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Can you go to jail for fireworks in Vermont?

Vermont residents must obtain a permit to set off fireworks legally. Officials can seize illegal fireworks and you can be fined up to $100 per violation and/or spend time in jail for up to 30 days.

There could also be liability issues if property is damaged.

Are sparklers legal in Vermont?

Sparklers are one of the few consumer fireworks legally permitted in Vermont.

The state allows sparklers less than 14 inches long with no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic mixture. Novelty sparkling items limited to snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers or drop pops with no more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture that are in compliance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations are also legal for sale and use in Vermont.

Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers, the state warns.

Why are fireworks illegal in Vermont?

The state Division of Fire Safety calls fireworks "dangerous and unpredictable, especially in the hands of amateurs."

According to the Burlington Police Department, from late June to early July in 2020, there were 67 reported firework incidents, with more reports continuing through Independence Day weekend, despite most fireworks being being illegal in the state.

Where can I see fireworks in Vermont?

Vermont fire safety officials say fireworks displays by professionals are the "smartest and safest way to enjoy fireworks."

"Public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals and supervised by local fire departments are a good alternative to personal fireworks use," the state says.

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Professional fireworks shows occur most years in communities like Burlington, Colchester and Essex Junction, and many others across the state, where people can sit back, relax and safely take in the light show.

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