As Maine prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th Independence Day, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to enjoy consumer fireworks safely, responsibly, and within the state’s legal guidelines.
Under Maine law, consumer fireworks may generally be used between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. However, extended holiday hours apply during the Fourth of July period.
For the 2026 Independence Day holiday, consumer fireworks may be used from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. the following day on the following dates:
- Friday, June 26: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Saturday, June 27: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Sunday, June 28: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Friday, July 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Saturday, July 4: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Sunday, July 5: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Friday, July 10: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Saturday, July 11: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Sunday, July 12: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
The Fire Marshal’s Office also reminded residents of several important requirements and safety precautions.
Maine law requires individuals to be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks may only be discharged on property owned by the user or with the permission of the property owner.
Several types of fireworks remain prohibited in Maine, including bottle rockets, skyrockets, sky lanterns, missile-type rockets, helicopters, and aerial spinners. Maine fireworks retailers sell only products that are legal under state law.
Residents are also encouraged to check with their local municipality before using fireworks, as many Maine communities have adopted ordinances that further restrict or prohibit consumer fireworks beyond state law.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is encouraging everyone to celebrate responsibly by keeping a bucket of water or garden hose nearby, never allowing children to handle fireworks, never attempting to re-light a malfunctioning firework, and cleaning up all debris after celebrations.
Officials also caution residents to never point fireworks at another person or toward a crowd or building.
I miss whistling moon chasers…
I buy my Lock and Load mortar shells in Tennessee when we pass through there every spring. They’re very impressive. Not sure if Maine allows the sale of them.