HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — With the New Year on its way, Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas and the Guam Fire Department are reminding residents that consumer-grade fireworks are still illegal on Guam, despite recent law legalizing the products.
This is because GFD still has to promulgate rules and regulations for the importation and distribution of consumer fireworks. At this time, no persons, firms, corporations or associations have been permitted to import and distribute these products, according to GFD.
“As such, the GFD urges our community to refrain from illegally purchasing, importing and distributing fire works,” a release from the fire department stated.
According to San Nicolas, until GFD develops the rules and regulations, the measure legalizing consumer-grade fireworks remains in a holding pattern.
“Due to potentially getting in trouble with local law enforcement, I was also informed that those in our community that have consumer fireworks should not ignite it. In the meantime, I am working closely with my team and the Office of the Governor of Guam on follow-up legislation to improve the law, strengthening the regulatory authorization, setting fees for those who misuse consumer fireworks other than its intended purpose, among other measures,” the senator stated in his own press release.
GFD, however, understands that fireworks may still be fired off during the New Year’s celebrations, and is asking residents to take the following precautions to avoid unnecessary physical harm and negative impact to the environment:
- Only use fireworks clearly marked as consumer grade or Class 1.4G explosives intended for use by the general public
- No fireworks shall be ignited or set off within fifty (50) feet of any building, structure or wildland areas
- Require that an extinguishing source is on hand or immediately near by such as an ABC fire extinguisher or garden hose attached to water source
- Ensure that all fireworks handled by adults only
- Follow all product recommendations and instructions and use as intended
This file photo shows fireworks during the Liberation Day Block Party and Tribute to Frontliners at the Paseo Stadium on Friday, July 21, 2023.
