Fireworks company banned from Mass. for a year after leaving behind Fourth of July shells

By Melissa M. Werthmann, Globe Correspondent

The fireworks company responsible for leaving unexploded shells in fields following July Fourth displays this summer will not be allowed to stage shows for Independence Day next year, according to the state fire marshal.

Pyrotecnico, the company that left behind shells after shows in Stoughton, Waltham, Ware, Wilmington, and Worcester this summer, has been suspended for a year, State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said in a statement.

Following the July 3 fireworks display on the Stoughton High School football field, a school maintenance worker set off a large shell while mowing a field behind the school.

“It is unacceptable that a child might wander from a playground and pick up one of these shells or that a town worker might run one over with a lawn mower,” Coan said. “That’s why we have these regulations to protect the public.”

After the shells were found, Coan suspended the technicians’ and the company’s licenses and called for an investigation.

Pyrotecnico’s suspension is effective July 10, 2012 and will run through next year’s Fourth of July season, Coan said.

Fireworks companies are required by law to search the site after a show for any shells, he said.

“Fireworks are extremely dangerous even for professionals,” he said. “The regulations require a first light search to ensure that the public does not encounter any unexploded fireworks shells the next day. In these cases, that was not done adequately.”

The three technicians for the shows were suspended for failing to notice the unexploded shells and not conducting a thorough search of the grounds, he said.

David C. Bilodeau is suspended for three years, effective July 10, 2012, Coan said. Bilodeau must pass a test of his abilities before the suspension will be lifted.

Anthony J. Gentile agreed to an administrative disposition of a six-month suspension, effective July 13, 2012, Coan said.

Peter A. Tremblay received a 2-year suspension effective July 13, 2012. Tremblay must pass a test of his abilities before the suspension will be lifted.

Calls to the company were not immediately returned.