Coaldale’s proposed fireworks regulations are unlikely to be in effect by July 4.

Borough council met Tuesday but didn’t vote on the rules because they had not waited the seven days required under state law after advertising the ordinance.

The proposed rules would allow fines up to $600 for violators using consumer fireworks, and $2,000 for violators using display fireworks found in professional displays.

Attorney Robert Yurchak said five days had passed since the borough advertised the ordinance for public review.

While the rules could be adopted at a special meeting, council members said they did not think it was necessary to hold one before the Independence Day holiday.

Council member Claire Remington said with the large number of people launching fireworks, it is difficult for police to respond to each one.

“It’s hard to enforce no matter what,” Remington said.

The proposed ordinance would allow the borough to charge its own fines for people who break the state’s existing laws on consumer fireworks. Their use has grown in popularity since becoming legal in 2017, but particularly last year during the pandemic. State law currently allows for a $100 fine.

Under state law it’s illegal to launch consumer fireworks without the property owner’s permission. Fireworks cannot legally be launched at or from a building or moving vehicle. Launching fireworks while under the influence is illegal. Fireworks must be launched from at least 150 feet away from the nearest occupied structure.

In addition, Coaldale’s rules would limit fireworks use to within seven days of a federal holiday. There would be a midnight curfew, except on New Year’s Day when it would be 12:30 a.m.

Coaldale’s proposed rules include requiring an application to put on fireworks displays. Council said if they allow fireworks displays, it would be in a field along East Phillips Street near the Schuylkill County Housing Authority’s Coaldale Family/Elderly Development.

Remington said she doesn’t want anyone launching fireworks from the field next to the Coaldale Complex because there has been damage to the roof in the past.

The ordinance doesn’t regulate sparklers or ground fireworks that spray showers of sparks.

Council President Angela Krapf encouraged people to make sure fireworks are completely out before disposing of them, and keep a bucket of water nearby, even if using fountains.

“There was a fire last year with a fountain. They put it in a trash can up against the side of their house and it wasn’t fully out. It caught the side of their house on fire,” she said.