What the heck is going on with fireworks this year?

Frustrated residents in just about every area community are complaining to elected officials and local and state police about the misuse of fireworks at all times of the night. Residents in communities, such as Lehighton, have signed petitions demanding action.

For their part, coming as it does in the midst of a pandemic and other more pressing issues, police do not respond as quickly as some residents believe they should, but law enforcement has a lot on its plate these days.

It’s no secret that many of our local community leaders are leery of the 2017 Act 47 that replaced a law that had been in existence for more than 75 years. The calls and complaints this year far and away exceed those of the past three years.

But Act 47 has been a big revenue-generator for the state since the 12% tax on these products has brought in millions since the law was passed.

Still, legislators have been getting an earful from angry constituents. State Sen. Pat Browne, D-Lehigh, has introduced an amendment to a broader bill to eliminate fireworks completely in larger cities. The only two that would be affected in our five-county area, assuming the amendment even passes, and this is far from certain, are Allentown and Pottsville, both third-class cities.

In saying that the use of consumer fireworks has created “tremendous quality of life issues,” Browne said his proposal carries a $500 fine for a first offense.

As a result of Act 47, enthusiasts can now buy and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and similar devices that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. These were previously available only to out-of-state residents prior to the law taking effect in the fall of 2017.

Professional-grade aerial shells can only be used by those with a permit from the municipality in which the display will take place. These are the types of displays that you might see at fairs, carnivals and festivals.

The problem has been escalating since Memorial Day, and as we approach the Fourth of July, residents are bracing for a barrage of displays and concussions from these devices.

There are restrictions, of course, but residents claim they are not being obeyed. Residents are not only worried about the disruption caused by the noise but also that these devices could start fires in the exceptionally dry conditions we are experiencing so far this summer.

Most area fireworks dealers are experiencing a booming business compared to other years. This is especially true at Delaware Water Gap, Easton and outlets along the border with other states.

The jarring and incessant noise affects babies who have trouble falling asleep at night, children with autism, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, the elderly, and animals, especially dogs.

So why is there such an increase in the number of pyrotechnics this year? It’s complicated, but I believe I can shed light on some of the reasons.

Much of it is tied to COVID-19 restrictions. There is pent-up cabin fever, which apparently is relieved when enthusiasts go outside and set off fireworks to release their frustrations and pent-up emotions. Many of the municipal and nonprofit-sponsored fireworks displays have been canceled this year, so those who see these displays as an integral part of their holiday celebration are putting on their own displays.

There is no question that although you may be hearing fireworks at other times of the year, they are a mainstay during the Fourth of July holiday, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, which said that about 80% of a dealer’s fireworks revenue comes in around this time.

This is a good time to remind everyone of the Act 47 provisions:

• You must be 18 to purchase the more dangerous types of devices.

• You must be more than 150 feet away from any “occupied structure” whether or not anyone is present.

• You can’t set them off on public or private property without the owner’s permission, within or toward a building or vehicle or if you are under influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition to these state regulations, many municipalities have set time of use restrictions, usually with a 10 or 11 p.m. deadline.

Here are some tips for safe use of these devices: Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting it. Never ignite devices in a container. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

In the United States, there is an average of seven fireworks-related deaths and 9,100 injuries annually. A Scranton man was killed during the weekend when he set off an illegal professional grade device in the Minooka section of the city.

Act prudently, and don’t become a statistic. Also, be courteous and respect your neighbors by restricting your activities to a reasonable hour.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com