FIRE PREVENTION
Fire prevention is critical to keeping our Island community safe. Here you will find information that will help you prevent fires.
FIREWORKS ON BLOCK ISLAND
Fireworks are not allowed at any time due to extreme fire hazards such as dry brush and high winds. Any spark could lead to a devastating fire.
Prohibited fireworks include, but are not limited to:
- Aerial fireworks
- Firecrackers, cherry bombs, mortars, or any device that launches a projectile and/or makes a bang/detonation/report
- Rockets, including bottle rockets and skyrockets
- Roman candles, sky lanterns
- Ground-based or hand-held sparking devices
- Fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers
Weather permitting, a professional fireworks display will be launched from a barge off of Town Beach for Independence Day celebrations.
To report the use of fireworks, contact the police department at 401-466-3220.
To report a fire dial 911.
BEACH FIRES
Block Island allows beach fires by permit only. Permits are limited to 10 per night and are issued by the Town of New Shoreham see their website for more details.
Beach fire rules:
- Fires on East-facing beaches only: Crescent/Baby Beach to Mansion Beach, except on Town Beach between southernmost and northernmost lifeguard chairs
- No fires on West-facing beaches
- Fire pits must be at least 3.5 ft wide x 2.5 ft deep
- Only burn natural, untreated firewood
- Burning of the following is prohibited: construction debris, driftwood, plastics, glass, trash, pallets, any wood with nails or screws
- Do not leave fire unattended
- Fires must be completely extinguished by midnight
- To put out fire, separate any remaining wood, spread out coals, and pour on at least 10 gallons of water (bring a large bucket with you)
- Do not use sand to put out fire
- Once you confirm that fire is out and there are no hot coals, fill pit completely with sand
- Take any trash with you
Please be considerate. Others, including children and pets, have been badly burned when walking through still smoldering fire sites the next day. Make sure your fire is completely extinguished.