Lewes Police Chief: Fireworks will be confiscated

Lewes officials have been proactive in their efforts to extinguish fireworks on Lewes Beach, and with the Fourth of July just days away, Police Chief Tom Spell wants the public to know there will be consequences for people who ignore the law. 

Spell said there will be an increased presence in Lewes all this weekend and through the Fourth of July holiday, with officers and representatives of the fire marshal patrolling the beach throughout the day looking for people digging pits for the fireworks. They will also patrol after dark, contacting anyone who launches fireworks. 

While he hopes the city’s robust education and communication campaign deters most people, he said, any fireworks found will be confiscated.

“We want to be able to, under the appropriate circumstances, send people on their way with a stern verbal warning,” he said, noting, however, they will not be leaving with their fireworks.

The city has put a lot of effort into deterrence through communication in the weeks leading up to July 4. Advertisements have run in the Cape Gazette, a letter to the editor authored by Spell ran in the newspaper June 23 and it was also sent to all property owners on Lewes Beach and to most homeowners associations in the Lewes area. City officials also posted information about fireworks in all of the city’s public bathrooms, at the bathhouse at the beach and at meter pay stations. 

“Short of having the governor forward it to his email list, I think we’ve made a really good effort and exhausted most avenues,” Spell said. “I haven’t heard from anybody or talked to anybody who doesn’t know about it.”

On June 26, digital signs were placed just over the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal bridge on Savannah Road and where Freeman Highway meets Cape Henlopen Drive, informing residents and visitors that fireworks are illegal and Lewes has a zero tolerance policy. 

“We really don’t want to surprise anyone,” Spell said. “That’s our main goal. It’s a state law. Ignorance is not a defense.”

Since July 1, 1939, state law has prohibited the selling or setting off of all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers. Delaware is one of three states that completely bans fireworks, except for professional, sanctioned displays. For those who violate the law, they may face a fine up to $100. 

Spell said he’s received a lot of feedback from the community regarding the city’s firm stance on fireworks, and most of it has been positive, he said. 

The city’s proactive campaign to stop illegal fireworks was sparked by a letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio followed up the letter with an appearance before mayor and city council June 12. 

“Every year we have a concern with Lewes on July 4,” he said at the meeting. “We have problems in other places, but Lewes seems to be the biggest problem.”