LEWISTON — City councilors don’t favor opening the city to fireworks, they said Tuesday.

“My first thought is, why would we want this?” Councilor Stephen Morgan said. “It’s accidents waiting to happen. It’s going to be three, seven, 12 accidents per year. People will get something in the eye, in their hair or whatever may be.”

A new state law, scheduled to take effect in January, legalizes the sale and possession of fireworks. It does let cities and towns adopt their own limitations, however.

Fire Chief Paul Leclair suggested councilors should have some limits in place when the law changes.

“What we’re presenting this evening establishes some restrictions for the use of fireworks in high density areas and in the rural area,” Leclair said.

The proposed Lewiston ordinance would allow year-round use of fireworks anywhere in the city where firearm use is currently allowed. Lewiston’s no-fire zone rings the central part of the city. It runs from the Androscoggin River, south of Merrill Road, and follows transmission lines east to Grove Street to the eastern limit of the city. From there, it follows the Maine Turnpike back to the river.

Fireworks would only be allowed in the rest of the city — including the downtown area — on three days: Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and July 4. Only professional fireworks displays would be exempt from the new rule.

The new rule has other restrictions, as well. It bans fireworks from city parks and schools, requires them to be kept at least 75 feet from all buildings and says they can’t be used before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on July 4; and before 10 a.m. Dec. 31 or after 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

It also bans them citywide during high fire danger days.

Two councilors said they favored the proposal. Councilor Larry Poulin said he favored easing all restrictions.

“But I’m willing to compromise and go with what’s written here,” he said. Councilor John Butler agreed.

But the rest said they were concerned about creating problems, especially in the city’s downtown area.

“I see nothing but possible accidents happening,” Morgan said. “I think you should leave it to professionals.”

Councilor Renee Bernier also said she wouldn’t agree to let fireworks be sold in Lewiston.

“Why would you put candy out there, and then tell the community ‘No, you can’t use them’?'” she said.

City Administrator Ed Barrett said the councilors will see the proposed change at a future meeting.

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