YORK, ME — A licensed pyrotechnician sustained minor burns during a fireworks malfunction on York Harbor Beach Road on July 3, 2026.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. during a fireworks display sponsored by the York Harbor Reading Room.
According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, a fireworks “cake” had been ignited but failed to fire as expected.
When the technician from Central Maine Pyrotechnics approached to inspect the device, it unexpectedly detonated, causing first-degree burns.
The technician was transported to a hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for evaluation.
Despite the injury, the technician completed the fireworks display before seeking medical treatment.
Investigators and inspectors from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and the hospital to interview the technician.
The technician was treated and later released from the hospital.
The York Fire Department requested the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigate the incident.
