Resident raises safety concerns over holiday fireworks; Selectmen clarify ordinance

Ellen Caughey told the Board of Selectmen on July 8 that fireworks went off “off and on from July 2nd through July 6th,” and that she witnessed at least one incident in which fireworks landed in traffic on NH Route 16A and others launched from the roadside near Dunkin Donuts.

Selectman Vicki Garland told Caughey that under the newly adopted town fireworks ordinance fireworks are permitted on the Fourth of July and on New Year’s Eve. Town Administrator Lynn Jones added that other dates can be allowed only when an organizer secures a special-events permit that the Selectmen sign off on; copies of those permits are sent to the Police Department, the Fire Department and the Bartlett Jackson Ambulance so emergency services can be notified.

Caughey said she called police on July 4 about one incident and was told fireworks are permitted on the holiday. She urged the Board to consider stronger safety measures, citing concerns about traffic safety, wildfire risk and harm to the local ecosystem.

Garland acknowledged the concerns and said the mechanism to change the ordinance is Town Meeting; she and other board members discussed tightening language and whether to require fireworks be limited to private property or to commercial, state‑permitted displays. Garland also emphasized that setting off fireworks on private property requires the landowner’s permission.

The Board encouraged Caughey to submit suggested ordinance language or raise the issue at Town Meeting if she seeks stricter rules. No formal change was adopted at the July 8 meeting.