A Pennsylvania law passed in 2017 that finally allowed residents to buy aerial fireworks has increased both the number of booms and the corresponding noise complaints, sparking frustration among Lehigh Valley firefighters, police officers and residents.
Allentown police officials said prior to the 2017 law, they would often respond to complaints by seizing aerial fireworks. But the law now permits powerful fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles, so there’s little police can do.
Fireworks are banned from being ignited within 150 feet of an occupied structure, even if no one is present at the time. Bans are also in place for discharge from a motor vehicle, toward a motor vehicle or building or while the user is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
But police and fire officials say the complaints continue to pile up and law enforcement has proven to be futile at best.