Mass. Fired Up Over Conn. Fire Department's Fireworks Sale

In a scathing letter, the state fire marshal blasted a Connecticut fire chief for "endangering" lives and asked him to "rethink" selling fireworks as a fund-raiser - a position wholeheartedly backed by the Connecticut state fire marshal. "It's like a police department going out there and getting a license to sell bullets.

It's a legal item, but from a public safety standpoint is it ethical? No," said Connecticut State Fire Marshal John Blaschik, who hopes to suspend the sales. The Quinebaug, Conn., fire department began selling sparklers and rockets last Tuesday, outraging Bay State fire departments near the state line. The Class C fireworks are legal in Connecticut, but forbidden in Massachusetts.

"Selling a product that causes thousands of fires each year in this country is offensive to the members of this nation's fire service," Massachusetts Fire Marshal Stephen Coan wrote in the June 27 letter. "Your fire department's action frankly defies comprehension."

Fire Chief Joseph Donovan - who called the fireworks safe when used properly by adults - said the fund-raiser, boosted by the controversy, will go on indefinitely.