Many 4th of July fireworks shows are cancelled this year because of COVID-19, and because of that, many people are creating their own shows.
According to the Grand Rapids Fire Department, there's been a significant increase in recent weeks of fireworks complaints from the city's residents.
"We have had a 532% increase in fireworks complaints compared to last year," said Lt. William Smith, who is GRFD's Fire Prevention Inspector. "We have had some real issues." Smith says the complaints haven't been just about the noise the fireworks are creating. It's more about breaking the law, and how families, pets and veterans are all being affected.
"We've taken many calls from veterans who suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)," added Smith. "We're asking people who are using fireworks outside the lawful parameters to knock it off."