City of Pittsburgh redeploys Fireworks Task Force ahead of holiday
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- With the Fourth of July just around the corner, expect to hear fireworks being shot off somewhere near you, especially with the legalization of them over the past few years.
The City of Pittsburgh will again have its Fireworks Task Force out to address complaints.
According to Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt, this isn't about trying to take away people's fun or a good time. They want to ensure people are abiding by the law and being safe in the process.
Be prepared to see the rockets' red glare and the bombs bursting in the air this week. It may be followed by lights and sirens.
"We want everybody to have a good time. We want everyone to celebrate. Want people to be safe and not lose property or a house," Schmidt said.
The city's task force is comprised of officers and firefighters in addition to police patrols. This is to make sure resources are still available to handle the everyday calls around the city.
"They specialize in that anyhow. They understand the rule about the fireworks, et cetera," Schmidt said.
People can buy class-C fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, and bottle rockets that contain 50 milligrams or less of explosive material.
They cannot be set off within 150 feet of a building, car, or in city parks or ballfields. If you create your own show illegally, you can expect a warning, citation, arrest, or confiscation of fireworks.
Every year, the task force gets calls of complaints, spots people using them where they shouldn't, and even has ShotSpotter notifications.
"It does a pretty good job of letting us know if it's gunfire or fireworks; it's more of a verification," Schmidt said.
From now until Friday, the task force will be out addressing complaints. They take it seriously, especially because fireworks have been blamed for fires in the city in the past few years.
Pittsburgh Public Safety is also urging people to watch over their pets, as the lights and noise may scare them. EMS crews are prepared for people who may not take the advice and remain reckless.
"People injure themselves holding fireworks. Sometimes people get a little too intoxicated, make some not-so-great decisions, and do things they shouldn't," Schmidt said.
Director Schmidt is urging people to take advantage of the show that will be down at the Point on July 4.
To find out when your community is lighting off fireworks for the holiday, check out KDKA's fireworks guide here.