Our View

Using fireworks? Please respect the law, and your neighbors

The holiday of sparklers and celebrations of freedom is upon us.

But please, we urge you -- we beg you -- to be extra careful of all forms of fireworks.

In fact, we suggest you leave fireworks to the professionals.

Fireworks can mean injuries -- serious injuries.

Just look at what happened recently in southern Pennsylvania, where a child playing with sparklers ignited a fire that ultimately spread to three homes and left nearly a dozen people homeless.

Thank God no one was injured.

So here's our most important point: The law that made illegal fireworks legal in Pennsylvania needs changed.

We're referring to the law that, beginning in late 2017, allowed state residents over age 18 to purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks containing a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material, such as firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets.

Sadly, too many people don't care about their neighbors, deciding to violate the law by setting off fireworks through all hours of the night and right next to buildings, etc., etc.

Here are the law's restrictions:

5 Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.

5 Fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.

5 Fireworks cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.

5 Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.

5 Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

And keep in mind: Your local municipality may have its own restrictions on fireworks, including a curfew time at night.

Be aware, please.

Look, we just hope people respect other people's property and peace and quiet while using fireworks over the July 4 holiday.

Too many are abusing the right by disrespecting their neighbors, the law and common courtesy.