WAYNE — Consumer fireworks have been illegal in town for the last five months, and some people have failed to comply with the local ordinance, officials say.
Part of the problem is that the town has no way of enforcing the rules.
The ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks was adopted at a special town meeting Feb. 14. State law went into effect this year allowing the sale and use of consumer fireworks, but several communities have adopted their own rules to regulate or ban such fireworks use.
Town Manager Amy Bernard said there is no way for Wayne to enforce its ban because the town has no constable to cite those who violate the ordinance. Maine State Police or the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department can issue citations if the fireworks are set off after 10 p.m., the cutoff time for most days, according to the state law.
As a result, town officials are trying to increase public awareness about the issue. A recent notice in the Wayne Messenger, a newsletter sent to all who own property in Wayne, briefly advised people about the ban.
Bernard said she has received a half-dozen complaints recently about illegal fireworks being used and has brought them to the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Carroll Paradis, however, said he has not seen any increase in people setting off fireworks — “no more than years past,” when they were illegal under state law.
He said most of the fireworks activity tends to cease about 10 p.m.
The ban on consumer fireworks was adopted in a 3-1 vote, Bernard said. The goal, as stated in the ordinance, is “to ensure the safety of the residents and property owners of the town of Wayne and of the general public.”
Those who are found to have violated the ordinance are subject to a fine of between $100 and $2,500, the ordinance says.
Signs also have been put up at local businesses, advising people about the ban.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
badams@centralmaine.com
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