Fireworks raise issues for localities.

Byline: Emma Bouthillette

Aug. 07--A new law legalizing the sale and use of many kinds of previously illegal fireworks has local officials buzzing about how -- or whether -- to regulate fireworks at the local level. "It's a pretty hot topic," said Eric Conrad, spokesman for the Maine Municipal Association. "Councils and selectboards around the state are trying to figure out what to do." The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, allows towns and cities to prohibit or restrict the sale or use of consumer fireworks locally. No one is proposing an outright ban so far, but town and city officials across the state have started to explore their local concerns. A few have called the Maine Municipal Association, …