WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- With the Fourth of July approaching, Massachusetts State Police are reminding residents that fireworks remain illegal in the state and can only be handled by licensed and certified technicians.

State Police Lt. Patrick McStay said Massachusetts law prohibits fireworks from being used, sold, or possessed. “Massachusetts is the one and only state that prohibits fireworks from being used, sold, or possessed,” he explained. “And because of that, our rate is one of the lowest in the country for injuries.”

McStay added fireworks seized in Massachusetts must be turned over to the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, which destroys them safely.

State Police said anyone found with illegal fireworks can have them confiscated and may be fined. McStay urged people to leave fireworks to professionals and added that anti-fireworks patrols are already in full swing, particularly near the state’s northern border.

This past weekend, Northfield Police pulled over a car for multiple motor vehicle violations and found fireworks inside. Police said the fireworks were seized and the driver was summonsed.

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