Some of the unexploded fireworks which washed up on Chappaquiddick Island last week. Photo: Mass. Department of Fire Services
EDGARTOWN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — State fire officials have suspended the permit of a fireworks company after unexploded fireworks washed up on an Edgartown beach last week.
The Massachusetts Fire Marshal said the two dozen "highly hazardous" unexploded firework shells appeared on a beach on Chappaquiddick Island on Wednesday. Central Maine Pyrotechnics ran Edgartown's July 4 fire works display on Tuesday. The Fire Marshal's Office said they believe the shells were "improperly disposed of."
The State Police Bomb Squad responded to the island on Wednesday afternoon and scooped up the shells, later destroying them. The Fire Marshal suspended Central Maine Pyrotechnics' license to operate fireworks in Massachusetts until a hearing on July 26.
Steven Marson, the president of Central Maine Pyrotechnics, hit back on Sunday, telling WBZ NewsRadio that unexploded shells are a common occurrence in the industry. He denied any wrongdoing on his company's part. Marson said two hours of torrential downpours before the show caused part of some of the shells to get wet. He said this meant the shells got fired into the air, but never exploded, and fell back into the ocean.
"This happens. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last time," he said.
Marson also debated the Fire Marshal's characterization of the unexploded shells as "hazardous," saying the fact that they were soaked in seawater would neutralize them. .
"The shells sat in the water all night. Shells getting wet like that could never light," he said. Marson said he had to cancel a $10,000 show in Seekonk on Saturday because of the suspension.
State officials say more of the shells could wash up on Martha's Vineyard beaches.
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