What is a fireworks license?

Fireworks License in Massachusetts

• How does someone who wants to start a fireworks display business get proper licensing in Massachusetts? What are the requirements, proceedure, forms, etc. for for obtaining the proper authorization, licensing etc. to purchase and use fireworks in the State of Massachusetts? What sort of licensing, state and local, do the professional companies have in order to do 4th of July displays?

• Answer:

  Dear twis-ga; Thank you for allowing me to answer your interesting question. In order for one to obtain permission to hold a fireworks display in Massachusetts one must first establish if there are local laws or ordinances that prohibit such activity. If there are no such laws in the jurisdiction in which the display is planned, one must file insurance or a surety bond with the State Treasurer in the ?sum of fifteen thousand dollars, and for such additional penal sum as the marshal shall determine to be necessary to cover the losses, damages or injuries that might ensue to persons or property?. PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION Chapter 148: Section 42. Displays or exhibits of fireworks; bonds http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/148-42.htm Then one must seek approval of the display from the local ?board of fire prevention regulations? (usually the local Fire Chief or Fire Marshal). The request must be received by the local board in writing at least fifteen days in advance of the date of the display. Approval comes in the form of a permit that by law cannot exceed twenty-five dollars. PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION Chapter 148: Section 39A. Regulations for permits for displays of fireworks; fees http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/148-39a.htm The ?operator? of the display (that is presumably YOU) must also apply for a license (called a ?Fireworks/Special Effects User's Certificate?) from the State Fire Marshal and pay the required $40 fee. This license is good for two years: STATE FIRE MARSHAL http://www.state.ma.us/dfs/dfshome.htm MASSACHUSETTS FIREWORKS LAWS http://www.fireworks.com/fireworks_laws/laws_massachusetts.asp In addition you can obtain all the information and forms necessary for the application and licensure of such a display by contacting the State Fire Marshal?s Office: State Fire Marshal Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services P.O. Box 1625, State Road Stow, MA 01775 (978) 567-3300 http://www.state.ma.us/dfs/dfshome.htm I hope you find that my answer exceeds your expectations. If you have any questions about my research please post a clarification request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us. Best regards; Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher INFORMATION SOURCES GENERAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-148-toc.htm STATE FIRE MARSHAL?S ADVISORY http://www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/fireprevention/adv/av_firew_users_cert.htm SEARCH STRATEGY SEARCH ENGINE USED: Google ://www.google.com SEARCH TERMS USED: MASSACHUSETTS FIREWORKS DISPLAY LICENSE PERMIT BOARD GENERAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS