Unexploded firework shells found on Edgartown beaches July 5. Here's who the state blamed.
EDGARTOWN — The state fire marshal has suspended the licenses of Central Maine Pyrotechnics and fireworks shooter Anthony Marson after unexploded fireworks shells were discovered on Chappaquiddick beaches July 5.
Marson and the company held fireworks displays on the evening of July 4 in Edgartown.
Passersby found about two dozen unexploded firework shells on Chappaquiddick beaches the day after the fireworks show, according to spokesman Jake Wark. Those shells were between three and eight inches wide, with the potential for causing serious harm and injury.
Regulations under the state fire code require that any nighttime displays include searches at first light for unexploded shells. Edgartown beaches were searched, but not Chappaquiddick beaches, according to Wark.
Both Marston and Central Maine Pyrotechnics acknowledged violations of the Massachusetts Fire Code.
Marson accepted a 10-year suspension of his fireworks certificate of competency, which is required of firework shooters who work in Massachusetts. He will serve five years of that sentence effective July 6, 2023. He is prohibited from pyrotechnics work in Massachusetts for the next five years. The remaining five years will be held in abeyance as a probationary period, Wark said.
Central Maine Pyrotechnics accepted a two-year suspension that will be held in abeyance as a probationary period.
If Marson or Central Maine Pyrotechnics fail to comply with the suspensions or commit any Massachusetts law or Fire Safety Code violations, they could face additional penalties.
The company calls itself "Maine's #1 Fireworks Company" on its website, and claims to also do business in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Massachusetts suspensions do not apply to Marson's or Central Maine Pyrotechnics' work in other states.
The decision was based on the work of the Edgartown Fire Department, Edgartown Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad technicians, and an investigation by Edgartown Fire, the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
Denise Coffey writes about business and tourism. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @DeniseCoffeyCCT.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Firework professional can't work in Mass. after July 4 Vineyard show
