The 4th of July holiday is days away and Greenwich Police are warning residents of the dangers of illegal fireworks.
Last year, after an illegal and unlicensed ignition of professional-grade fireworks in Bible Street Park on July 4, Greenwich police confiscated illegal fireworks in Cos Cob and the Stamford Bomb Squad safely detonated them at Holly Hill. After police obtained a warrant, a Cos Cob man was one of two charged in the incident.
The Connecticut firework law is very specific.
Only sparklers are legal in Connecticut. Sparklers are non-explosive and non-aerial devices.
Sparklers can only be legally used by person age 16 or older.
Sparklers still pose a harm due to the degree they burn.
Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut.
The safe alternatives to setting off fireworks is visiting one of the areas many sanctioned firework displays.
There will be two shows, the first on Saturday, July 3rd and the second on Monday, July 5th. Both shows will be held at Greenwich Point Park and each will begin at approximately 9:10pm.
On the day of each show, Greenwich Point will close to vehicle entry at 8:00pm or once parking has reached its capacity, whichever comes first.
No vehicles will be allowed after this, including for pickup and drop-off.
Normal rules for entry to Greenwich Point will be in effect.
Prior to 5:00pm entry to the park will require an active Park Pass for each resident and a single entry ticket for each
guest.
Non-residents will need to purchase single entry tickets and parking passes.
After 5:00pm you will need either a Park Pass or a parking pass to enter. Single entry tickets and parking passes are sold at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center at 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, starting at 9:30am until sold out (or 3:30pm), Monday through Friday.
Residents also may purchase single entry tickets online. Walk-ins and bicycles also will be allowed entry. However, the community is reminded to follow all posted parking signage.
Parking enforcement will be patrolling the surrounding area and rules will be strictly enforced.
For those who arrive early, pre-show entertainment will be provided both nights.
“Please keep yourself, your friends, your family and your property safe,” police warn.
To report illegal fireworks, call 203-622-8004.