Real summer heat arrived before the season officially did this year. That means the noise of summer won’t be far behind. It’s likely some people already are experiencing it.
Yes, warm temperatures, time off from school and the approach of the Fourth of July inevitably lead to neighborhood fireworks and the ongoing debate between those eager to celebrate and people who object to the noise and danger associated with amateur pyrotechnics.
In a particularly bitter election year, there’s something to be said for demonstrating love for the country in honor of Independence Day, an occasion that is supposed to transcend political divisions. But not at the cost of neighborhood peace.
The issue of noise complaints related to fireworks use isn’t new, but the situation has been much worse since Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2017 changed the law to allow the sale of more noisy, potent fireworks that can go airborne. The broad availability of these devices led to an explosion of grievances.
First responders noted an increase in fires and fire-related deaths due to the expanded use of these dangerous items. Though the law prohibits lighting fireworks near buildings, that rule is widely ignored. Especially at the height of the fireworks season around the Fourth of July, police are spread thin trying to respond to all the complaints from neighbors who consider extreme late-night noise nothing to celebrate.
Lawmakers were slow to react to these concerns. The fireworks law raises revenue via a tax on purchases of the legalized pyrotechnics, and politicians are reluctant to give up a source of funding that isn’t a broad-based tax.
Many legislators in the least populated parts of the state don’t seem to understand how big a problem this is in cities and suburbs, most of which don’t have any places where it’s safe to display amateur fireworks and where people live in close proximity to one another and can’t avoid the noise.
The years of complaints did finally lead to some action in the form of a law that gives municipalities more power to regulate the use of pyrotechnics and bars sale of fireworks from tents and roadside stands.
Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except on July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m. If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as is the case this year, fireworks may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday.
We doubt that’s making much of a difference. If people easily can get their hands on potent fireworks, they are likely to use them. Many don’t even know what the rules are. And these laws are exceedingly difficult to enforce when the items in question are so easy to acquire. Often by the time police respond to complaints, the perpetrators already have moved on. And on July Fourth it’s common for there to be more complaints than authorities can handle.
Under these conditions, It’s up to the people who choose to celebrate with fireworks to do so with safety and consideration for their neighbors in mind.
For many people this activity is more than just a nuisance. The noise generated by fireworks poses problems for families with young children, many older people and veterans dealing with anxiety, not to mention individuals who have to work the next morning. And this time of year can be a nightmare for households with dogs.
If you must shoot off fireworks, limit the activity to the first hour or so after nightfall, then switch to quieter activities.
And follow the rules to reduce the risk of causing injury or property damage. The law prohibits lighting fireworks within 150 feet of a structure or on public property without permission. Don’t allow children to use fireworks, and don’t light pyrotechnics while intoxicated.
Or better yet, leave the fireworks displays to the professionals.
If fireworks fans don’t want to see tougher regulations in the future, it’s in their interest to be on their best behavior now.
If communities continue to feel like war zones in the summer, we’re certain that police and fire chiefs, mayors and angry people all over the state will renew their demands for a tougher approach.
We’ll be behind them all the way. We only hope it doesn’t take a real tragedy for people to realize how serious this issue really is.
