Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio has released the following statement asking for respectful and responsible use of fireworks around the July 4 holiday and summer in general.

With Pennsylvania legalizing consumer fireworks, it does not mean you can use fireworks anytime and anywhere you want and in the wee hours of the morning. City residents and visitors are reminded to please use fireworks responsibly and with consideration and respect to others, their property and pets.

?Every summer, the Bethlehem Police Department responds to numerous complaints of fireworks being set off late at night, in city parks, on private property and adults and kids being injured by fireworks. Remember that fireworks are not toys and every year in the U.S., there are thousands of firework related injuries and incidents of property damage.

?Fireworks also affect people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sudden loud bangs, explosions can cause PTSD symptoms to reoccur in people recovering from a traumatic event or military service. Please consider what you are doing and how it affects others.

Police also respond to dozens of reports of fireworks upsetting people‘s pets. Dogs in particular are affected by the loud noise and flashes, causing many to break leashes, panic, become disoriented, frightened and run. Every year, we pick up numerous dogs. Some we are able to identify owners for and some we are not.

Residents and visitors are reminded of Bethlehem City Ordinance, Article 746, and Pennsylvania State Law on the use of fireworks in Bethlehem.

Here is a quick reminder of the Bethlehem Ordinance on Fireworks:

1-Under Bethlehem City Ordinance, Section 746.03, fireworks cannot be set off between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. without a permit….PERIOD.

2-Under Bethlehem City Ordinance, Section 746.04, owners of property in the city or tenants are responsible for unlawful firework activity at the property.

3-Under Bethlehem City Ordinance, Section 746.05, all fireworks are unlawful on any city property, including city parks.

NOTE: For violations of Article 746, fines range from $50 to $1,000 or 30 days imprisonment.

Here is a quick reminder of the Pennsylvania’s law on Fireworks:

1 -You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase, possess & use consumer fireworks.

2 - Consumer fireworks cannot be used on public or private property without the express permission of the owner.

3- Consumer fireworks or sparkling devices cannot be used within, or thrown from, a motor vehicle or building or at a motor vehicle, building or person, or anyone under influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

4 - Consumer fireworks cannot be used within 150 feet of any occupied structure, in the street, on the sidewalk or in public parks.

NOTE – For violations, you will be arrested for violation of the 72 Pa. C.S.A. 9401, Pennsylvania’s fireworks law and face fines and/or imprisonment as set by a county district judge.

Please remember that you may think fireworks are cool, but your neighbors who have to work the next day may not. Be respectful of your neighbors and others. Please remember that when you set off fireworks, the noise travels for blocks in a city.

Being woken up at 2 a.m. by drunks setting off fireworks is not acceptable. Use your common sense, and if you are going to use fireworks, use them responsibly. If not, and the police are called, you will be arrested. Thank you,

Mark DiLuzio

City of Bethlehem police chief