Illegal Fireworks Across The City Has The Attention Of The Rochester Police and Fire Departments

You do have a voice and the Rochester Police Department hears you. Police and Fire officials are asking the community for help when it comes to the increase of illegal fireworks.

There have been a lot of fireworks set off in the Rochester and Monroe County areas more and earlier than normal this year. I’m sure you have heard them no matter where you live in the city people are setting them off. And it’s at all times of night you hear them at one point last week it was nonstop.

Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary said even he hears them when he is going to bed. He also said “The fireworks are annoying” in a press conference Wednesday with Rochester Fire Chief Willie Jackson.

Both the RPD and RFD stated that fireworks in the city of Rochester and Monroe County are illegal. If you are setting off illegal fireworks in the city it could result in a misdemeanor charge. However, if they cause a fire that misdemeanor will turn into felony arson.

RFD Chief Jackson stress safety if you are going to light fireworks. There has been fires this year linked to illegal fireworks but none of them serious. And nationwide over 10,000 injuries are reported from the misuse of fireworks.

No one knows exactly why there have been so many this year but, if the illegal fireworks continue to be a problem I’m pretty sure they will go back banning all fireworks in NYS.

The only fireworks that are legal are sparkling devices which include sparklers, snakes, poppers, and fountains. That’s it.

Officials say if you know where the fireworks are being set off when you do hear them call 911 and give the location so they can investigate.

Source: rochesterfirst.com