NORWAY — A drive to ban fireworks in town is gaining momentum.

Eight copies of a petition asking the town to place an ordinance banning or restricting fireworks are being circulated, according to Nancy Hohmann of 420 Crockett Ridge Road, who is spearheading the drive.

Hohmann has until Sept. 11 to collect a minimum of 235 signatures of registered voter to get a referendum question on the November ballot.

“I’m encouraged because a number of people have called me and said I want to sign the petition. People stop me in the grocery store and say we want to sign the petition,” Hohmann said.

In July, Hohmann presented a letter to the Board of Selectmen signed by scores of people asking for an ordinance to restrict or ban fireworks.

The board advised her to circulate a petition requesting the question be placed on a ballot.

The sale of consumer fireworks became law in Maine in 2012, prompting some towns to draw up ordinances banning their use in certain areas or altogether.

The legislation to legalize the sale, possession and use of fireworks was created to promote new businesses and jobs, but some residents say it has simply become a nuisance and a danger.

Hohmann and other letter-signers told selectmen fireworks can cause physical and emotional harm to people, livestock, wildlife and companion animals. They can also cause epileptics to have seizures and can cause discomfort for asthmatics.

Around the time fireworks became legal in Maine, police Chief Rob Federico told selectmen complaints had risen from about three the previous year to 12 by the middle of 2012.

Federico said at that time fireworks had been a problem in the Norway Lake area and North Norway for years prior to their legalization.

Police say between Jan. 1, 2013, and Jan. 1, 2014, there were 15 fireworks complaints. There has not been a significant increase since that time, police said.

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