CALAIS, Maine — In the wake of a fatal firework accident on the Fourth of July, local and state lawmakers may consider more stringent regulations regarding the handling of pyrotechnics.
Devon Staples, 22, died at about 10 p.m. July 4 in Calais when a firework he was balancing on his head during a backyard celebration with friends went off, killing him instantly.
His father, Russ Staples, said Monday his son had been holding the fireworks mortar tube on his head as a joke, thinking it was a dud and could not ignite.
Maine state Rep. Joyce Maker confirmed Wednesday she has been talking to Staples’ mother, Kathleen, who called for a training and licensing program, similar to that used with motorized vehicles, for the handling of fireworks.
Kathleen Staples told the Bangor Daily News on Monday that such a program would ensure people handling fireworks have had the training necessary to handle them safely, she said.
Maker declined to comment further about whether more stringent laws regarding fireworks are warranted, saying she wanted to see the final report from investigators before making any statements.
Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said a final report would include the findings of fire marshal investigators and the medical examiner.
“I do not have a timetable as to when that will be completed,” he said.
McCausland said the only question remaining in the investigation is whether the firework that killed Devon Staples was loaded correctly or was upside down.
He said the medical examiner looked at Devon Staples’ remains in Calais and that his examination is complete. The body was not taken to Augusta for an autopsy.
Calais City Manager Jim Porter said the city does not have an ordinance regarding the handling of fireworks but rather one that spells out when and where fireworks can be used. The community is divided into two zones: one being the urban section of the city and the other being the outskirts, with each subject to different restrictions.
“This tragedy took place in the urban area, but it was legal at that time, on the Fourth of July,” Porter said.
The city has no specific plans to discuss laws regarding fireworks safety, Porter said, but added, “I’m sure this will be discussed in the future.”
“Everybody feels terrible,” he said.
An online fundraising effort at giveforward.com, which was started by a relative to help the Staples with funeral expenses, exceeded a $6,000 goal by $625 at about noon Wednesday.
Russ Staples indicated Monday that any funds left over after the funeral would be used to fight for more restrictions on the handling of fireworks.
Kathleen Staples said Wednesday the family is planning a funeral service for July 18 at the Washington County Community College.