City officials want Augusta to ban fireworks
Despite a recent law passed that permits the sale and use of fireworks in Maine, the fire chief and manager for Augusta is calling on the city council members to ban them, according to the Kennebec Journal.
Roger Audette, who heads Augusta's fire department, wants to disallow them because he's afraid their increased use will result in injury.
"Every June, fireworks stands popped up everywhere," Audette told city councilors recently, detailing his childhood experiences with fireworks. "I spent my childhood years blowing stuff up. And every year, someone at my school got hurt."
Audette isn't the only one who wants to prohibit them. Augusta police chief Robert Gregoire also wants council members to reverse the ruling, the paper reports.
"You're going to have property damage, injuries and litter," he said.
Every year, many homeowners insurance claims are filed as a result of fires caused by fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2009, fireworks led to $38 million in direct property damage.
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