Nationwide and locally, complaints about citizens shooting fireworks from their backyards and public areas are soaring like a Roman candle.

Major cities like New York, Philadelphia and Chicago receive thousands of complaints about legal and illegal fireworks. The Washington Post reported New York City received 24,000 fireworks complaints in just the first half of 2020.

All local police departments said they also experienced a substantial increase in fireworks complaints this year.

Thomas Reenock, Northampton Borough mayor, acknowledged fireworks complaints are at an all-time high.

“It is getting out of hand - complaints about fireworks being set off late at night,” Reenock said.

Reenock’s concern is there have been several fire department calls because of fireworks landing on a roof and smoldering.

“This becomes a fire call or a police call, and much time is spent writing reports that cost taxpayers,” he added. “The situation is important to us, but it seems for some residents, it’s like a game.”

“I get them all the time,” said Bath Borough Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito regarding the fireworks complaints.

Moore Township Police Chief Gary West said the township fireworks complaint calls this year so far exceed the entirety of 2019.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but calls are really up,” West said. “Is it that people are bored? I get calls like, ‘a neighbor has set off fireworks for three or four nights in a row.’”

Some attribute the increase to the COVID-19 pandemic. People need an outlet after being cooped up for months. Others chalk it up to those with a fascination for noise.

“We have seen a significant increase in complaints since the legislators [in Harrisburg] relaxed the fireworks laws,” Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish said.

Coplay Police Chief Vincent Genovese noted fireworks complaints in Coplay are up 150 percent for the same period last year. Coplay police statistics indicate the overwhelming number of complaints occur outside of holidays.

Historically, they were set off around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Other holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day have experienced an uptick in fireworks use.

However, throughout 2020, fireworks are being set off any day, and at all hours, it’s been reported.

Because fireworks are set off nearly every night, they are affecting children, pets and the quality of life in these municipalities. Some young children and adults and children with PTSD are upset by the loud noises. Many complaints are also generated because pets, particularly dogs, become extremely frightened by the noise.

“We have far more fireworks complaints than last year,” Whitehall Township Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. said. “Last year, we put in a new ordinance. It is hard to police complaints because the police must witness the act. It’s a problem.”

The challenge for local law enforcement is when they receive a fireworks abuse complaint, police must witness the person lighting the firework. This makes arrests difficult to complete. Complaints are high, but arrests are low.

“We have had numerous complaints the last several weeks,” North Catasauqua Borough Mayor William Molchany said.

He noted fireworks complaints are well over double than usual. The borough considers aerial fireworks a safety and fire hazard; therefore, they are not allowed.

Some of the municipalities encourage fireworks complaints in an effort to use complaint data and arrests to nudge Harrisburg to revisit the fireworks law. The ability to purchase fireworks in grocery stores, department stores and temporary sales tents contribute to increased use because of their availability.

The danger of increased fireworks usage, beyond public nuisance, is well documented. Injuries, usually from improper use, result from fireworks. Local hospitals have additional emergency trauma surgeons, particularly hand surgeons, on call over the Independence Day weekend.

Using fireworks can be a delightful, enjoyable activity when done safely. Many people love fireworks, which explains their popularity.

If one chooses to light fireworks, it is imperative to follow basic safety measures. These include:

• Never allow kids to light fireworks.

• Store them in a place where kids can’t get them.

• Do not hold fireworks in your hand after they are lit.

• Don’t light fireworks if intoxicated.

• Keep a bucket of water, or have a garden hose, nearby.

• Never set off fireworks indoors or in a vehicle.

In the meantime, if you choose to use fireworks, follow your local fireworks ordinance, be respectful of your neighbors and, above all, follow safety recommendations.