It's summer in Connecticut, and with the warm weather comes crackles, glimmers and gushes of color in the sky. Displays of fireworks are a season favorite, when they're safe and done legally. 

Most consumer fireworks are illegal in Connecticut, as is the case for most New England states. They're legal in New Hampshire and Maine, where, likely not coincidentally, it's estimated some of the most fireworks-related injuries occur in the region.

During the summer of 2020, the COVID pandemic put a fizzle on major Fourth of July fireworks usually put on by municipalities. Instead, people took pyrotechnics to their own backyards, resulting in the inevitable mayhem — a 50% increase in deaths and injuries in 2020 compared to 2019.

In 2021, most annual fireworks put on by professionals had returned, and fire safety officials encourage people to attend those, rather than experiment with illegal or unsafe fireworks in your own backyard. 

So you're wondering where and how you can safely and legally enjoy fireworks this summer? We have answers to your most-asked questions, Connecticut. 

Fireworks are not allowed in Connecticut for use by non-professional, non-licensed users. However, sparklers and fountains may be sold and used. 

The State Fire Marshal issues permits for supervised displays of fireworks. 

In Connecticut, a person who violates fireworks laws could be fined up to $100 and/or be imprisoned for up to 90 days, state law says. 

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If someone is caught illegally selling fireworks valued at more than $10,000, they could be found guilty of a class A misdemeanor. If death or injury results from the violation, a person could be fined up to $10,000 and/or be imprisoned for up to 10 years.

Sparklers and fountains may be sold in Connecticut. But the state limits sale and use of them to people 16 and older. 

Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut.

The state has previously reported that a number of house and grass fires have been attributed to fireworks. 

During July 4th celebrations in 2020, three police officers in Hartford were injured when people from a large gathering threw fireworks at them. That same summer, a resident in Stamford suffered life-threatening injuries after a fireworks incident at a park. 

Professional and supervised displays occur every summer around Connecticut, where attendees can sit back, relax and safely enjoy the light show. For example, on Friday, July 8, a professional fireworks show will take place at Howard Brown Park in Norwich. 

Contact your local municipality to find the closest professional display to you.