The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office shut down an informal fireworks show at Graveyard Point, South Harpswell, on July 9, according to Patrol Lt. Andrew Feeney.
The deputy did not issue fines, but reminded those involved of Harpswell’s fireworks ordinance, Feeney said. The Sheriff’s Office received 11 complaints about fireworks in Harpswell from June 1 through mid-July.
Harpswell’s fireworks ordinance allows the use of consumer fireworks only on and around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Day. Around the Fourth of July, people can use fireworks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 3, 9 a.m. on July 4 to 12:30 a.m. on July 5, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 5, as well as on the “weekends immediately before and after July 4” from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
People can only use fireworks on their own property “or on the property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on that property,” according to the ordinance.
The penalties for violating the rules for fireworks use are a minimum fine of $100 for a first offense, “plus costs,” and a minimum of $250 for subsequent offenses.
