JAY — A proposed fireworks ordinance, if approved by voters, will require anyone planning to set off fireworks in the town to get a permit first.

The ordinance would set guidelines on how far away from a structure fireworks could be ignited and how far away spectators would have to be during the event.

An 11-member committee put the ordinance together at selectmen’s direction after residents raised concerns over noise and potential fire hazards.

The Board of Selectmen will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the Town Office to review the proposal.

Serving on the Fireworks Review Committee were Selectmen Pearl Cook and Justin Merrill, Public Safety Director Larry White Sr., Assistant Fire Chief Mike Booker, Town Manager Ruth Cushman, firefighters Max Couture and Kyle DeMillo, and residents Dennis Stevens, Barbara Cook, Joan VomElgen and Linda Desjardins

The final draft of the town of Jay c onsumer fireworks ordinance would not be established until voters approved the measure at the annual town meeting in June. Prior to that, selectmen have to give the go-ahead and hold a public hearing. If approved, it would go into effect 30 days after adoption.

The hours of use and the type of fireworks allowed follow state law that legalized certain fireworks in January.

Under the proposal, consumer fireworks requires a permit from the Jay Fire Rescue Department. Hours to get a permit would be between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with no permits issued after 6.

The fire chief or designee would issue the permit if it is found not to create a fire danger to the general public.

The guidelines state that fireworks would not be used within 100 feet of any combustible structure or within 50 feet of overhead power lines.

Spectators shall be no closer than 50 feet from the discharge point.

Any person using consumer fireworks must provide for cleanup and removal of debris. The disposal of unfired or unused fireworks shall be done under the guidelines set the by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.

It would be unlawful for any person using the fireworks to be under the influence of alcohol or otherwise impaired.

Those discharging fireworks need to have a means to extinguish any spot fires resulting from use. They will also need access to 911 by landline or mobile telephone should an emergency arise.

The proposal also outlines the penalties for a civil violation that would be $200 to $400 plus attorney fees and cost for the first offense. Subsequent offenses would range from $500 to $1,000 plus attorney fees and costs.

The ordinance would be enforced by Jay police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Maine State Police and any law enforcement agency with which the town has a mutual aid agreement.

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