PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - With many public fireworks displays being canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have taken the matter into their own hands, shooting fireworks off almost nightly around Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh police say fireworks complaints have risen 389 percent over the same time last year.
From June 1 through June 21, police say they have received 137 complaint calls compared to 28 during that period last year.
As a result Pittsburgh Public Safety has formed a Fireworks Taskforce.
"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. "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."
The taskforce is made up of members of the Pittsburgh Police and Fire Investigators.
City law prohibits fireworks, even legal ones to be set off within 150 feet of any structure. They are also prohibited in parks and public spaces and on private property without consent of the land owners.
The fine for shooting off fireworks illegally is $100 and the possible seizure of their fireworks.
Even fireworks that were recently made legal in Pennsylvania are still likely illegal in city limits.
Public safety warns that large fireworks "pose significant dangers to people and property."
"Fireworks are not safe, especially in the hands of children," Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire's Fire Prevention Officer Lisa Epps-Cuda said. "Not even sparklers are safe. Think about it: Water boils at 212 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees, glass melts at 900 degrees and sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees. Why would you put something like that in the hands of a child?"
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