06/16/2026
Gorham's Fireworks Regulations & Enforcement
As we approach the summer and the Fourth of July season, the Gorham Police Department (GPD) wants to ensure all residents are fully informed about the local ordinances and state laws surrounding the sale, possession, and use of fireworks within our town. Our primary goal is to keep our neighborhoods safe and peaceful for everyone.
Please review the following key information regarding how fireworks regulations are handled in Gorham:
1. How does the Gorham Police Department enforce fireworks regulations?
The GPD follows Chapter 148 of the Gorham Town Code. Please note that this chapter will soon be revised by the town as it is currently outdated. We also enforce the applicable New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapters 160-B and 160-C.
By law, all law enforcement officials are authorized and directed to seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed, at the expense of the owner, all fireworks held in violation of the ordinance.
Our Approach to Enforcement:
Like many other departments across New Hampshire, we prefer practical, educational enforcement.
Our officers actively exercise professional discretion when responding to fireworks complaints.
For first-time offenses where individuals genuinely do not know or understand the law, our primary approach is to issue a warning and educate them on compliance.
However, if a situation is particularly hazardous, dangerous, or if individuals are uncooperative, officers retain full authority to strictly enforce the law and seize the property on the very first contact.
2. What are the potential penalties for violations?
Chapter 148 of the Town Code states that any person found in violation is subject to the penalties enumerated under state law. Under RSA 160-C (specifically RSA 160-C:11 for possession and display violations in towns that prohibit them), penalties typically include:
💰 Fines: A violation for a natural person (punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 plus penalty assessments). For other legal entities (such as corporations, partnerships, or associations), it is charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
🚫 Property Seizure: Illegal fireworks will be seized and destroyed entirely at the owner’s expense.
⚖️ Disorderly Conduct (RSA 644:2): If the use of fireworks creates a public nuisance, purposely causes public inconvenience or alarm, or continues after a lawful order by police to cease, individuals can additionally be charged with Disorderly Conduct. This can range from a violation to a misdemeanor depending on the specific circumstances.
3. What should residents do if they notice unpermitted fireworks?
The use or display of fireworks in Gorham requires a formal permit. If you observe fireworks being set off without a permit, unrelated to the official, town-sponsored public display, we ask that you contact the Gorham Police Department to report the activity.
When calling, please provide a specific location and, if possible, a description of the individuals involved so our officers can respond safely, quickly, and efficiently.
We hope this information clarifies the rules regarding fireworks in Gorham. It is always beneficial to provide clear, unvarnished facts directly to the public, as a complete and accurate understanding of the law is something that can occasionally evade even the most certain of minds.
Have a safe, happy, and enjoyable summer season!
Chief Jimmy Willhoite, Gorham Police Department
