SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As we all know, we are about two weeks away from the July 4th weekend as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This holiday is usually the time when fireworks displays go off across the country.

However, there is a sign in Springfield telling you where you can get fireworks even though they are illegal to possess and set off in Massachusetts. So why is it there?

Western Mass News addresses the confusion.

“I love to see fireworks. When we were kids, we used to aim the bottle rockets at each other,” this Springfield resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has seen fireworks for many years, especially during celebrations celebrating our country’s independence. During those kinds of occasions, we see ginormous displays lighting up the night sky.

But when it comes to personal use of fireworks, that’s a different story, it’s a safety thing, and obviously, the people that make these laws are very careful about what they’re doing," the Springfield resident said.

For those of you who don’t know, unless you are a trained professional and have permission by your town or city, you cannot buy, possess or set off fireworks here in the Commonwealth.

Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh told Western Mass News one of the reasons why, “setting off fireworks in your yard can disturb children, people with PTSD, people with dogs.”

Walsh said fireworks can deter police and impact Springfield’s ShotSpotter system. If you are caught with fireworks in your possession, it could result in a chunk of change coming out if your wallet. Not only would officers confiscate the hundreds or thousands of dollars of these items, but you could also face a fine of up to $1,000.

Which brings us to the focus of this story.

If you were to travel on I-91 or in the Parker and Main Street area of Indian Orchard, You will see signs promoting Phantom Fireworks, a fireworks company that has a location in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.

While fireworks purchasing, possession, and blasting in Massachusetts are illegal, having an ad like this is not. The resident we spoke with said that should not be the case, “it makes things more confusing. Don’t do it. Just like somebody is saying ‘hey, marijuana is illegal in Massachusetts, but there’s signs in Massachusetts that say dispensaries in New Hampshire.’ No, you’re tempting the people of the commonwealth where it’s illegal. Make it make sense.”

In response to these concerns, Phantom Fireworks sent us a statement, “we have many Massachusetts customers who purchase fireworks for use where they are legal. In compliance with the request of the Massachusetts Attorney General from some years ago, we disclaim all signage in Massachusetts with the statement: “Massachusetts Law prohibits the transportation, sale, possession, or use of fireworks in Massachusetts without a valid permit.”

“If you’re going up to New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, (or) somewhere where it’s legal, they are allowed to advertise because they’re saying ‘hey, you might not use them in Massachusetts. You might use them on vacation somewhere,” both Walsh and Phantom Fireworks urge you to follow the state’s laws and leave the fireworks in Massachusetts to the professionals.

Phantom Fireworks also has safety tips and education readings on their website.

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