Fireworks

[TiggrToo]

That the season started earlier notwithstanding, I'd like to understand why people seem to not care a jot when it comes to fireworks?

Tonight I'm sitting in a Warzone.

Neighbors all around me are releasing all manner of fireworks.

And every single last one is illegal.

Ohio still has laws on the books stating that all bar the most benign fireworks are illegal, although there's talk of getting rid of such a restriction.

What I want to know is when did we become so self-centered as a collective to allow this?

Fireworks are terrible for a large cross section of the population; babies, pets, the elderly, veterans suffering from PTSD, people of a nervous disposition, those with weak hearts. The list goes on. Not to mention folk who HAVE to sleep because they've got work tomorrow.

Yet every year, America the caring, lets out a huge **** you to all those people.

Why?

The very first year we'd moved into our current house they're was a knock on the door at 10pm on that 4th. Someone had the foresight to tell us that a bush adjacent to the house was now on fire due to a stray firework. Luckily we were able to extinguish it, however I dread to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't been home since, above the hedge, were wooden beams.

I suffer from a condition that creates stress from loud noises. I'm in the basement now trying (failing) to avoid the huge explosions that will be going on until past midnight.

America - since when did you become so self centered as to stick the middle finger up at the country's most vulnerable?

So I ask the people here who participated in this tonight, did any of you even begin to think about what you're doing, or do you see this a part of your right of free speech?

 

[Clix Pix]

I was in my kitchen finishing up after-dinner cleanup when I heard a noise, looked out through the open door to my deck and beyond and could see that some bloody idiot was happily lighting fireworks on our condo community’s wooden pier! As it happened, I had my RX10 camera out on the table on my deck, so promptly went out there and started shooting away, capturing images of the culprit doing his thing in case evidence were needed later. His wife, holding a baby, and their toddler were watching from a safe distance and some other woman was as well. WTH is the MATTER with people?!!! Fortunately for him and this community no fireworks went astray and he did not set the pier on fire, but it could have happened so, so easily. Now wouldn’t that have been a treat for the kiddies, to have watched the pier, the boardwalk and the clubhouse, plus perhaps my building, catching on fire and burning?! Sheesh!!!

 

[TiggrToo]

I was in my kitchen finishing up after-dinner cleanup when I heard a noise, looked out through the open door to my deck and beyond and could see that some bloody idiot was happily lighting fireworks on our condo community’s wooden pier! As it happened, I had my RX10 camera out on the table on my deck, so promptly went out there and started shooting away, capturing images of the culprit doing his thing in case evidence were needed later. His wife, holding a baby, and their toddler were watching from a safe distance and some other woman was as well. WTH is the MATTER with people?!!! Fortunately for him and this community no fireworks went astray and he did not set the pier on fire, but it could have happened so, so easily. Now wouldn’t that have been a treat for the kiddies, to have watched the pier, the boardwalk and the clubhouse, plus perhaps my building, catching on fire and burning?! Sheesh!!!

But...but...'Murcia!

 

[C DM]

Many tend to put themselves first (with the rest usually not even making it into the last place).

 

[Gregg2]

For some Americans, patriotism means having the right to be self-centered.

 

[TiggrToo]

For some Americans, patriotism means having the right to be self-centered.

Some? Guessing that at least 3/4 of my neighbors were letting rip last night...

 

[S.B.G]

I'm with you @TiggrToo as I hate the fireworks for practically all the reasons you listed.

I'm a veteran and last night there were so many going off in the city (yes, in the city) around me that I thought I was back in the Marine Corps again. My sister's dog goes into violent shaking and fear when he hears them (and t-storms too). Plus if the 4th lands during the work week, I have to be up early and they keep me awake for hours on end. Even when it doesn't land during the work week, I still want to go to sleep at my usual time and be well rested the next day.

I despise fireworks and there are plenty of other ways people can celebrate without making all the noise and setting fire to the area's around them.

 

[TiggrToo]

I'm with you @TiggrToo as I hate the fireworks for practically all the reasons you listed.

I'm a veteran and last night there were so many going off in the city (yes, in the city) around me that I thought I was back in the Marine Corps again. My sister's dog goes into violent shaking and fear when he hears them (and t-storms too). Plus if the 4th lands during the work week, I have to be up early and they keep me awake for hours on end. Even when it doesn't land during the work week, I still want to go to sleep at my usual time and be well rested the next day.

I despise fireworks and there are plenty of other ways people can celebrate without making all the noise and setting fire to the area's around them.

Sad thing is that if you say anything to anyone then you’re seen as a killjoy and anti-American.

A few years back one of our neighbors was lighting fireworks on the cul-de-sac (mainly because their backyard is chock full of stuff like above ground pool, enormously oversized deck, trampoline etc.)

When I went over to complain their response was to throw one of the fireworks at me and laugh their heads off.

They were at it again last night and were within seconds of having one go off as car came up the road. I can only begin to imagine the result if it had. Didn’t stop them, they just kept on going.

 

[Huntn]

That the season started earlier notwithstanding, I'd like to understand why people seem to not care a jot when it comes to fireworks?

Tonight I'm sitting in a Warzone.

Neighbors all around me are releasing all manner of fireworks.

And every single last one is illegal.

Ohio still has laws on the books stating that all bar the most benign fireworks are illegal, although there's talk of getting rid of such a restriction.

What I want to know is when did we become so self-centered as a collective to allow this?

Fireworks are terrible for a large cross section of the population; babies, pets, the elderly, veterans suffering from PTSD, people of a nervous disposition, those with weak hearts. The list goes on. Not to mention folk who HAVE to sleep because they've got work tomorrow.

Yet every year, America the caring, lets out a huge **** you to all those people.

Why?

The very first year we'd moved into our current house they're was a knock on the door at 10pm on that 4th. Someone had the foresight to tell us that a bush adjacent to the house was now on fire due to a stray firework. Luckily we were able to extinguish it, however I dread to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't been home since, above the hedge, were wooden beams.

I suffer from a condition that creates stress from loud noises. I'm in the basement now trying (failing) to avoid the huge explosions that will be going on until past midnight.

America - since when did you become so self centered as to stick the middle finger up at the country's most vulnerable?

So I ask the people here who participated in this tonight, did any of you even begin to think about what you're doing, or do you see this a part of your right of free speech?

I have always understood the fire hazard, but never realized fireworks were a source of stress. Thanks for the new perspective.

I lived in Minnesota for 3 decades that allowed fireworks with restrictions, no privately launched aerial fireworks or explosives like fire crackers or M80s, the latter my favorite along with Black Cats as a teen. Then we moved to Texas were the sky was the limit and you can buy a single hard core $80 rocket that blows up. That said my neighborhood has ordinance against fireworks that are handily ignored every year and last night sounded like a war zone as usual.

My fascination with things that blow up is long passed. I recently mentioned in another thread the empty field across the country line that becomes a very dangerous place on the fourth and actually took the grand kids there one year to check it out and partake, but it felt dangerous to dangerous and I’ve not returned since.

Besides the stress I was unaware of, I understand the seriousness of the fire hazard especially during drought. Bottle rockets seem innocent but can be a real fire hazard.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It’s like that around 5th November here as we traditionally celebrate Guy Fawkes our favourite terrorist. Supermarkets sell fireworks and kids all over the place set them off in the streets.

Personally I think fireworks shouldn’t be sold to anybody with a firearms license. We’d save on the antisocial behaviour and less people would end up in A&E.

 

[C DM]

For some Americans, patriotism means having the right to be self-centered.

If not actually infringing on the rights of others (to have a peaceful night, for example).

 

[dukebound85]

i love fireworks. They are illegal here too but you wouldn't be able to tell. Heck, the cops don't even enforce

That said, I think as long as you are being responsible, such as shooting them in a street and not airborne, then by all means have fun

 

[TiggrToo]

It’s like that around 5th November here as we traditionally celebrate Guy Fawkes our favourite terrorist. Supermarkets sell fireworks and kids all over the place set them off in the streets.

Personally I think fireworks shouldn’t be sold to anybody with a firearms license. We’d save on the antisocial behaviour and less people would end up in A&E.

I remember the jolly japes the young’uns would have sticking fireworks in folks letterslots. Oh how they’d laugh and chortle to themselves when the house would then start burning...

Yeah, I lost my taste for fireworks when I’d start reading about that.

Dunno what it’s like now over there, but when I left blighty the last Guy Fawkes night wasn’t awful - the date has advantages that it gets dark really early and it was usually bloody cold, thus putting limits on how late many folk wanted to be out.

Over here it’s easy to stay out all hours of the night when the coolest it’s likely to ever be is in the mid 60s (15°C+) and it doesn't get dark until past 9pm.

 

[TiggrToo]

i love fireworks. They are illegal here too but you wouldn't be able to tell. Heck, the cops don't even enforce

That said, I think as long as you are being responsible, such as shooting them in a street and not airborne, then by all means have fun

And if a veteran with PTSD starts getting panic attacks from the Neverending explosions, then what? What about the fireman or medic trying to get some sleep before a long shift?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I remember the jolly japes the young’uns would have sticking fireworks in folks letterslots. Oh how they’d laugh and chortle to themselves when the house would then start burning...

Yeah, I lost my taste for fireworks when I’d start reading about that.

Completely agree.

And if a veteran with PTSD starts getting panic attacks from the Neverending explosions, then what? What about the fireman or medic trying to get some sleep before a long shift?

Again, absolutely agreed.

During Hallowe'en, I have seen dogs (owned by friends and relatives) whimper in terror, cowering and shaking in fear - a horrible and heart-breaking - and shaming - sight.

 

[TiggrToo]

Completely agree.



Again, absolutely agreed.

During Hallowe'en, I have seen dogs (owned by friends and relatives) whimper in terror, cowering and shaking in fear - a horrible and heart-breaking - and shaming - sight.

Well obviously that's the owners fault. In fact I'm unsure why I'm complaining. Seems to me that everyone negatively affected by fireworks need to understand that others do enjoy them, and their "right" to detonate multiple miniature explosives in the neighborhood overrides other people's rights for peace and quiet.

Wonder how they'd feel if I left my truck outside their house in a few weeks time with the windows open, and my 150W stereo blasting out Metallica at midnight. I'd imagine they might be slightly miffed.

 

[eyoungren]

Fireworks were legalized in Arizona about 10 years ago. During a specific time period (which ends July 5) you are allowed to purchase and set off legal fireworks.

However, I've never understood why anyone wanted to stand outdoors in 109 to 112º heat to shoot off fireworks. I have no idea if that's made any difference in illegal fireworks being used or not, we've just gotten used to the noise. What irritates me is when they do it before July 4. Independence Day is on the 4th, celebrate it on the 4th.

Of course, some people pay the price. As a kid I was introduced to a blind teenager. He lost his sight because the firework he was handling blew up in his face. His hands were likewise damaged.

This year, a man in Ontario Calif. (a city I used to work in and met my wife in) had to have his hand amputated. His illegal, homebuilt firework went off with an unexpected delayed burst.

News | City of Ontario, California

View, filter and browse a listing of City of Ontario, California news articles.

www.ontarioca.gov

 

[tranceking26]

Another thing about these people is that they’ll use fireworks days before and after the actual day, so it is even worse

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well obviously that's the owners fault. In fact I'm unsure why I'm complaining. Seems to me that everyone negatively affected by fireworks need to understand that others do enjoy them, and their "right" to detonate multiple miniature explosives in the neighborhood overrides other people's rights for peace and quiet.

Wonder how they'd feel if I left my truck outside their house in a few weeks time with the windows open, and my 150W stereo blasting out Metallica at midnight. I'd imagine they might be slightly miffed.

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear; the owners (cousins of mine, and their partners, with whom I was staying for a few days) were not setting off fireworks, rather, they were trying to protect and comfort their poor, terrified dogs, and were appalled at the irresponsibility of those who set off the fireworks in a residential neighbourhood and continued to do so far too late into the night.

 

[TiggrToo]

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear; the owners (cousins of mine, with whom I was staying for a few days) were not setting off fireworks, rather, they were trying to protect and comfort their poor, terrified dogs, and were appalled at the irresponsibility of those who set off the fireworks and continued to do so far too late into the night.

Sorry, I was trying (apparently failing) to be ironic by stating that the pro-fireworks brigade seem to think that it's someone else's problem, not theirs.

Apologies for the confusion.

 

[dukebound85]

And if a veteran with PTSD starts getting panic attacks from the Neverending explosions, then what? What about the fireman or medic trying to get some sleep before a long shift?

Honestly I do not care. It is one day a year that has been associated with fireworks for decades. If people have issues, then remove yourself from that environment for the day. The 4th of July shouldn't be sneaking up on anyone and surprising people if they hear fireworks

 

[TiggrToo]

Honestly I do not care

Well, at least you're honest.

How can you not care?

Does it not really bother you on iota that veterans who've placed their lives in danger for your freedom are then placed in jeopardy because of your desire to have loud explosions?

Does it not bother you that people with weak hearts could actually die from this?

What about all the pets that are traumatized and whimper and cower in fear?

What about all the people who have to work the next day with no minimal sleep?

Are you really honestly saying here that you do not care about other people and that your personal need for loud explosions overrides the health and safety of your vulnerable neighbors?

Or is your viewpoint that all those people are selfish and they need to understand that your "right" for loud explosions is more important?

Does that not sound self-centered in the extreme?

 

[S.B.G]

I guess people like me and my sisters dog should make a trip to the center of the Pacific on the 4th.

 

[TiggrToo]

Honestly I do not care. It is one day a year that has been associated with fireworks for decades. If people have issues, then remove yourself from that environment for the day. The 4th of July shouldn't be sneaking up on anyone and surprising people if they hear fireworks

Where to, and why?

So, everyone else who needs peace and quiet should move to allow you to make noise?

I can't. The very first year I was here my house nearly burned down because of a stray firework. I'm constantly now in fear as a result.

And what about the fact that way too many of these are ILLEGAL? Does that not bother you? Why should others be forced to move so people like you can commit crimes?

What if they can't go anywhere? There's people who are stuck at home - due to illness or cost. Do they need to suck it up just so you can have your fun?

And don't kid yourself this is just July 4th. We both know it goes way more than that.

Even before Covid anything from Late June to pretty much mid to late July was "fair game". Now it's been since early May.

How can you not see this as being anything other than self-centered?

"We've always done this" should never be the excuse. We used to always allow drink driving, now we don't, and for a bloody good reason.

Some traditions need to die.

 

[dukebound85]

Where to, and why?

So, everyone else who needs peace and quiet should move to allow you to make noise?

I can't. The very first year I was here my house nearly burned down because of a stray firework. I'm constantly now in fear as a result.

And what about the fact that way too many of these are ILLEGAL? Does that not bother you? Why should others be forced to move so people like you can commit crimes?

What if they can't go anywhere? There's people who are stuck at home - due to illness or cost. Do they need to suck it up just so you can have your fun?

And don't kid yourself this is just July 4th. We both know it goes way more than that.

Even before Covid anything from Late June to pretty much mid to late July was "fair game". Now it's been since early May.

How can you not see this as being anything other than self-centered?

"We've always done this" should never be the excuse. We used to always allow drink driving, now we don't, and for a bloody good reason.

Some traditions need to die.

If they are illegal, call the cops.

If they are legal, you have to live with it unfortunately.

If it is a problem even after calling the cops, then you need to be proactive, recognize the reality that they are going off and take yourself out of the environment for the day.

Not sure what else to tell you...

As far as me, I will and have light them (has been a few years since I have) on the day only.

There will always be actions from others that people will not agree with. Sometimes in life, you have to just "deal with it".