Stop illegal fireworks
Most Fourth of July fireworks displays have been canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it turns out avoiding one threat to public safety has led to another. Americans are now setting off more and more of their own fireworks illegally.
Residents need to control their impulse to make up for those canceled displays. Fireworks are disruptive and dangerous, and there’s a reason cities and counties have laws controlling their usage.
Laws vary, but hardly any city allows fireworks to be set off within its limits, as doing so poses danger to both people and property. Pittsburgh specifically prohibits the use of fireworks within 150 feet of any structure, as well as in all parks, any public space and on private property without the consent of the landowner. Violators are subject to a $100 fine and seizure of the fireworks.
Complaints about illegal fireworks have become so numerous that Pittsburgh established a Fireworks Task Force made up of police and fire investigators to investigate incidents.
The uptick in pyrotechnics nationally became noticeable in June when people took to social media and their local police precincts to complain. Pittsburgh Police received 137 fireworks complaint calls between June 1 and June 21 — a 389% increase from the same period in 2019. Philadelphia received close to 1,000 from its residents over the same period. New York City clocked about 11,000, up from only 54 last year.
People have complained of multiple nights without sleep, PTSD episodes and irritated children and pets as a result of constant booms outside their windows.
Prior to official reports, conspiracy theories emerged, including that the government is trying to psychologically torture those protesting against police brutality.
It turns out there is a much simpler explanation. Many who use fireworks have admitted that they’re bored after months of quarantine, or determined to replicate canceled Fourth of July displays. Fireworks retailers are reporting record sales; Phantom Fireworks has seen sales soar up to 200% more than this time last year.
Meanwhile, public safety officials around the country are worried. On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day in July with fireworks-related injuries. There are also dozens of calls about accidental fires from fireworks.
For the sake of public health and safety, Americans need to celebrate July 4 a little more quietly this year. Respecting the well-being of neighbors and their property is a more patriotic act than blasting pyrotechnics.