Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 3, 2026 Leave Fireworks to the Professionals, State Fire Marshal Urges Fires and Serious injuries increased by Nearly 25% in 2025; One Fatality Reported S TOW—Fires, explosions, and serious injuries related to illegal fireworks spike each summer in Massachusetts, and fire service leaders are hoping to reverse last year’s increase over 2024. “Here in Massachusetts, fireworks have caused nearly 500 fires and explosions, almost 200 serious injuries, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage over the past five years,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Tragically, one man even lost his life last summer. Please don’t risk a fire, an injury, or a day in court – leave fireworks to the professionals.” Of the 188 fireworks-related visits to Massachusetts emergency departments from 2021 to 2025, 121 took place in July. July also accounted for 253 of the 486 fires and explosions caused by fireworks during the same five-year period. Both injuries and fires increased by about 23% last year, with 43 ER visits and 112 fires and explosions – including one that claimed a 70-year-old man’s life in Wareham. Massachusetts law requires police to seize any illegal fireworks they encounter in the course of their duties. This includes fireworks that were purchased lawfully in another state and transported to Massachusetts. People who use or possess them illegally are also subject to a fine, while the unlawful sale of fireworks is an arrestable offense that carries potential jail time. The law is effective: the Massachusetts fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth the national average, and the rate of fires and explosions is about one-sixth the national average. The Department of Fire Services posts a list of permitted fireworks displays and updates it each week through the summer. To view the list – and to learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks – visit the DFS website. Blue Cross unveils artist-designed bikes and free Bluebikes credits for Boston 250 Student-created artwork on bikes celebrates the people, communities and ideas shaping Greater Boston B lue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), title sponsor of Bluebikes and sponsor of Boston 250, is debuting limited-edition bike designs on 250 bikes across Greater Boston and offering free ride credits throughout the summer to help residents and visitors participate in events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.Inspired by Boston 250’s focus on honoring the people, communities and ideas that continue to shape the city’s future, 250 bikes will feature three original designs created in partnership with students from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) and UMass Boston. The artwork reflects themes of healthier people, healthier communities and a healthier environment and will appear throughout Bluebikes’ 13 municipalities alongside ride credits tied to key Boston 250 events and celebrations. Boston 250 is the City of Boston’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, recognizing Boston’s role in the American Revolution and the legacy of activism and innovation that continues to shape the city today. Through student-created artwork and free ride credits, Blue Cross is helping more people participate in that commemoration. Custom-wrapped Boston 250 bikes will be available throughout the Bluebikes system through mid-August. Riders can also take advantage of free ride credits, courtesy of Blue Cross, tied to major Boston 250 celebrations and Fourth of July festivities, including the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston Harborfest, Sail Boston and the arrival of the Tall Ships. • Starting June 22, riders who spot a specially wrapped Boston 250 bike can snap a photo and share it with Blue Cross on Instagram (@bluecrossma), Facebook (@BCBSMA) or LinkedIn (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts) for a chance to receive a $25 Bluebikes credit, while supplies last. • Beginning June 28, riders can receive a free $5 Bluebikes credit by entering BCBSMABOSTON250 in the Rewards section of the Bluebikes app, while supplies last. • Beginning July 11, riders can receive an additional free $5 Bluebikes credit by enterBLUE CROSS | SEE PAGE 22
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