advertisement

Illegal fireworks are nuisance to many

Shooting off illegal fireworks does not make you cool or patriotic. It makes you annoying and dangerous. Your neighbors who were looking forward to a quiet backyard barbecue are not enjoying the racket. People trying to comfort their petrified pets are seething with resentment. You may be triggering frightening memories in combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

And you can add parents with small children, people who get up early for work, people afflicted with dementia or autism, people who have to clean up the fireworks debris left behind, and those concerned about the devastating impact fireworks has on wildlife to the long list of residents who prefer peaceful neighborhoods over random explosions reminiscent of a war zone.

With COVID-19, this has already been a challenging year for emergency responders. Emergency room staff do not need the added burden of treating head and face injuries caused by reckless people using illegal fireworks. And the Illinois State Fire Marshal recently warned an estimated 19,500 fires were started by fireworks nationwide in 2018 alone, causing deaths, injuries, and more than $100 million in property damage.

Shooting off those Roman candles and bottle rockets may cost you more than that trip to an Indiana fireworks store. Some area towns issue hefty fines, ranging from $500 to $950, if you are caught using illegal fireworks.

Being a good neighbor means not only skipping the illegal fireworks but reporting to authorities the handful of thoughtless neighbors who ruin summertime for the rest of us.

Debbie Leahy

Warrenville

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.