Task force to manage increase in fireworks complaints

Hearing a nearby booming and crackling at night? So have city officials and the many residents who are calling to report an increased use in fireworks. But while at least one major fireworks retailer is enjoying a boon in sales, officials are beefing up patrols of the potentially illegal use of the explosives.

Pittsburgh public safety officials announced Friday that they have formed a task force — made up police and fire investigators — to monitor the staggering increase in fireworks being set off illegally within city limits.

City law prohibits the use of any fireworks — even legal ones — within 150 feet of any structure. Lighting them in all parks, any public spaces and on private property without consent of the landowner is also prohibited.

During the three-week stretch from June 1 to June 21, city police received 137 fireworks complaint calls — a 389% increase over the 28 calls received during the same time period last year, according to officials.

Representatives of the Youngstown, Ohio-based Phantom Fireworks say 2020 “is the strongest year” the company has ever enjoyed in terms of sales, according to its vice president, William Weimer.

Phantom was forced to shut down its offices and stores in midMarch when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. At the time, it looked like a business whose busy season usually centered around the Fourth of July “might be dead in the water,” as Mr. Weimer put it.

Then in mid-May, as many counties in Western Pennsylvania began moving into the yellow and green phases of reopening and Phantom Fireworks followed suit, something strange began to happen.

“All of a sudden, we’re saying to ourselves, ‘My God, these sales numbers are shooting up,’ ” Mr. Weimer said. “It didn’t make sense to us. Since then, our sales numbers have been overwhelmingly strong.”

Why the increased use of fireworks?

Mr. Weimer chalked that up to a combination of reasons: general boredom from people being cooped up inside; the fact counties began to reopen so close to Independence Day; and the cancellation of large public-display fireworks shows.

A change in state law in 2017 allows residents to get their hands on Roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers and some types of reloadable aerial shell launchers, though at heavily taxed prices.

Local officials are warning against the “significant” dangers to property and people, including injuries in children.

“As a Pittsburgh native myself, I understand that fireworks are an important part of the way we

celebrate our Independence Day,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said in a news release. “Unfortunately, as a result of the ongoing battle against the deadly coronavirus, all fireworks and public gatherings have been canceled this year. Please remember that fireworks are a real fire hazard and can be very dangerous. I urge everyone to exercise caution this year and not use them.”

Those caught violating fireworks law in Pittsburgh could face a $100 fine and the possible seizure of their fireworks.