City Cracks Down On Illegal Fireworks
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The city is rightly proud of its fireworks displays, but takes a dim view of anyone else using pyrotechnics inside its borders. This Fourth of July, Pittsburgh's fireworks task force took a hardline stance.
"We did take it very seriously this year. There were concerns about juveniles misusing fireworks," said Pittsburgh Police spokesperson Sonya Toler.
Once again this year, the task force confiscated about $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks, such as roman candles and bottle rockets.
But whereas last year, they issued only warnings, this year they slapped 17 violators with citations; each carrying a potential $1,000 fine.
"We wanted everyone to have a safe holiday and enjoy themselves, not end up in the emergency room," said Toler.
There were no serious accidents reported in the city, such as one near Morgantown, West Virginia, which required the emergency transport of a Fayette County man and one other to the hospital.
The task force credits that to routine inspection of sales tents, and their quick response to reports of illegal explosives. The city believes this no-nonsense attitude is keeping resident safe.
"It's dangerous games to be playing with things that are explosive," says Toler.
Throughout the region and in the city the message is clear, sparklers are okay, but leave the pyrotechnics in the hands of the professionals.
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