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That was the reality for several people who were displaced after a 3-alarm fire was potentially ignited by leftover sparklers in Dracut, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said.
Firefighters responded to the fire in the area of 362 Arlington Street around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, Ostroskey said. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the single-family home.
After extinguishing the flames, investigators determined the fire started at the left rear of the house where sparklers were disposed of in several trash bins, Ostroskey said. Thankfully, all nine occupants were able to get out of the house safely.
“I want to remind the community that people are hurt and property is damaged by illegal fireworks every year in Massachusetts," said Dracut Fire Chief Richard E. Patterson. "This includes sparklers, which burn at temperatures over 1,800 degrees. They can remain hot enough to ignite debris even after they go out. Please, for your family’s safety, leave fireworks to the professionals.”
More than 900 fires were caused by illegal fireworks in Massachusetts between 2012 ands 2021, Ostroskey added.
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