During the holiday weekend more than 1,300 fireworks were confiscated in Abingdon following a report of an illegal fireworks show, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal assisted the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in responding to reports of an illegal fireworks show in the Box Hill community. Once the event was shut down, officers took the fireworks, which included dangerous aerial devices that are prohibited in Maryland, the fire marshal said.

“Let this serve as a reminder to anyone considering an unpermitted fireworks show,” acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in the news release.

Mowbray said the community’s homeowner’s association could have sponsored the event and submitted a permit fee, providing proof of insurance and hiring a licensed fireworks company.

“That simple process would have made it a safe and legal celebration, instead of one that ended with fireworks being confiscated and public safety put at risk,” he said.

Charges are pending, according to the news release.

In Prince George’s County, a 14-year-old boy suffered a permanent hand injury while handling illegal fireworks, the release said. The boy was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

“This is exactly why fireworks should never be in children’s hands, especially illegal and unregulated,” Mowbray said. “A holiday meant for celebration turned into a life-changing tragedy for this young man and his family.”

Improperly discarded fireworks in Wicomico County caused a fire that ignited a garage and caused roughly $3,000 in damages. No injuries were reported in that case, the release said.

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