Obey fireworks laws

#Middlebury #July4th #Fireworks

Lawful fireworks explode in the air. Shooting off such fireworks in Connecticut is against the law if you aren’t a licensed pyrotechnician with a valid State Fireworks Operator License. (Image by Đắc Ninh Bùi from Pixabay)

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Middlebury residents who fire off illegal fireworks to celebrate the July 4th holiday may find police officers at their door. That’s because Middlebury police are expected to respond to residents’ reports of illegal fireworks this year. Find out how best to report them farther down in this article. We also encourage you to read Middlebury Fire Marshal Brian Proulx’s July column on fireworks here.

Illegal fireworks became a hot topic after a Middlebury resident who shot off fireworks over the Memorial Day weekend upset a number of folks and ignited discussions of illegal fireworks at both the Middlebury Board of Selectmen and Middlebury Police Commission meetings. The fireworks set off in the Three Mile Hill area also elicited comments on Facebook. Some were upset because it was Memorial Day weekend and shooting off fireworks seemed disrespectful to those who died serving our country. Others had dogs trembling in their laps, hiding in the basement or shaking and panting; one said they were exploding directly over their house; another noted how stressful they can be for folks with PTSD.

The defenders of illegal fireworks cracked jokes about those objecting to them and said the town was full of Karens and libtards, fireworks have been detonated for decades, and they should be shot off for a full week for each of three major holidays. Many comments were made about the police response (or lack thereof) and some asked for police to respond to them.

Although there was no response from Middlebury police, resident Otis Jemal, who is a lieutenant in the Naugatuck Police Department, posted an informative reply. After noting that fireworks often aren’t being ignited when police arrive on the scene, he said video footage of the activity, if it can be safely taken, is very helpful. He suggested taking that first and then calling the police, who can use the video as evidence.

Jemal also said, “Connecticut law generally prohibits the use of most fireworks under CGS § 29-357. In Connecticut, aerial fireworks, mortars, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar explosive devices are illegal for general public use. Limited exceptions exist for approved sparklers and fountains.”

He noted virtually every town deals with fireworks this time of year, and police departments have to answer those calls in addition to handling crashes, emergencies, crimes in progress, medical calls, and many other calls at the same time.

Finally, he mentioned what he called “the old-school approach.” He said, “Sometimes a simple conversation with your neighbor can go a long way. You might be surprised how often a respectful conversation resolves the issue without needing police involvement.”

At the June 1 Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr reported she had received an anonymous complaint through the town website from a resident who said ashes from the fireworks fell on their property and asked for the town to be more responsive to complaints. Mahr said a resident had also called her to complain about the fireworks. She asked Selectman J. Paul Vance Sr. to liaison with the Police Commission to ramp up enforcement efforts.

When the subject came up at the June 8 Police Commission meeting, Commissioner Ralph Barra presented a list of fireworks dangers that included the risk of severe injuries to those shooting off fireworks; ignition of roofs, decks garages, mulch and dry brush; distress to some residents and their pets, who sometimes run off and get lost; and the strain when emergency services have additional calls due to illegal fireworks.

Selectman Vance said illegal fireworks have always been a problem, noting that even sparklers (which are legal) must be handled by those 16 or older. He said, “If it goes in the air and explodes, it is illegal.” He said neighbors are reluctant to report their neighbors, but illegal fireworks are a Class C misdemeanor and if someone gets hurt or a fire starts, it becomes a felony.

Chief Deely said a local family was warned about using illegal fireworks and there has been nothing since, but if something does happen, enforcement action will be taken. He said the police would like the public to call and report illegal fireworks. They can call the routine police line, 203-577-4028, speak with dispatch, and can remain anonymous if they wish.