HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — At just five minutes after midnight on Jan. 1, the Guam Fire Department responded to Salas Street in Yigo for reported injuries from improvised fireworks or explosives, according to GFD spokesperson Kevin Reilly.
“A total of eight patients were treated, including four minors, with five of those patients transported to (the Guam Memorial Hospital) and (Guam Regional Medical City). Patients sustained minor to moderate injuries from the incident,” Reilly stated.
This was the only significant incident during the New Year’s celebrations, he added.
Although these injuries were from improvised fireworks or explosives, law was enacted this year that would pave the way for legal consumer-grade fireworks.
However, 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 a release from the fire department issued before New Year’s Eve.
“As such, the GFD urges our community to refrain from illegally purchasing, importing and distributing fire works,” the GFD release stated.
Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas, the main sponsor of the legislation, issued his own release reminding residents that consumer-grade fireworks remain illegal for now.
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 press release.
A view of a portion of Salas Street in Yigo taken on Jan. 1, 2023. Shortly after midnight that day, the Guam Fire Department had responded to Salas Street for reported injuries from improvised fireworks or explosives.
