With the Fourth of July just days away, state lawmakers are advancing proposed new limits on fireworks in response to growing complaints after a 5-year-old state law greatly liberalized their sales and use.

Since Pennsylvania removed its prohibition on “consumer-grade” fireworks in 2017, firefighters say they have seen an increase in fires and fire-related deaths due to the explosive devices.

Until the 2017 law change, fireworks in Pennsylvania largely were limited to sparklers and similar novelties. The changes permitted the sale of the full array of fireworks that meet federal consumer standards.

A firefighter who calls pyrotechnics a nuisance for constituents, the bill’s co-sponsor said the proposed changes are designed to let people “still shoot fireworks with responsible controls.”

“It sounds like a war zone the week of July 4,” said Rep. Frank Farry, R-142th. “We get a lot of complaints from pet owners, veterans and parents of young kids.”

Farry’s legislation, approved by the House and recently advanced by a Senate committee, would allow municipalities to regulate where fireworks could be detonated and require a permit to buy fireworks. The bill also would require a license to sell fireworks and would place restrictions on facilities that sell them. Retailers would not be allowed to sell fireworks to minors or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also, people would have to give livestock owners or managers three days' notice before fireworks could be used near a facility that houses animals.

The legislation would restrict their use to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. except during July 2 to 4 and Dec. 31, when they could be used until 1 a.m.

Giving municipalities more power to enact ordinances on fireworks is fine, but police still will face an impossible task trying to enforce them, just as they do now when it comes to rules already in place.

It’s easy to say that we should just let people have fun and celebrate, but there need to be limits in the interest of public safety and consideration for neighbors. People still have the ultimate power to address this issue by celebrating in a manner that’s safe and considerate. We urge everyone to keep that in mind during the holiday weekend and throughout the year.

— JGG