ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Despite Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk warning of "consequences coming" to those who illegally used fireworks, city police issued just one ticket Tuesday for Independence Day celebrations.
Tuerk had issued his warning regarding use of fireworks in the city's parks or within 150 feet of a building, per current state and city law.
- Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said during the holiday that there were "consequences coming" to violators, but Allentown Police say there was just a single citation related to fireworks during the holiday
- It is illegal to set off fireworks within a city park without a city permit or within 150 feet of a building
- In anticipation of July 4, Allentown police Capt. Alicia Conjour said in most instances, officers "will still need to observe the fireworks being lit in order to issue a citation."
Tuerk's statement was in response to a video by a reporter showing multiple non-professional fireworks being launched near Allentown's J. Birney Crum Stadium in anticipation of the city's professional fireworks show.
The mayor called it "heinously stupid" and said "our enforcement folks will respond appropriately."
This is heinously stupid and our enforcement folks will respond appropriately. We told everyone to leave it to the professionals. It’s not legal to use fireworks in our parks or w/in 150 ft of a structure. Consequences coming https://t.co/3mrvJFjIra
— Matt Tuerk (@matthewtuerk) July 5, 2023
Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca said in an email Thursday that the city's communication center got 335 calls during the holiday, and "nineteen of those calls were specifically fireworks-related.
"And one of those calls resulted in a sweep ticket being issued," Roca said.
The highest number of complaints for the day was 82 for loud music, Roca said.
Roca said violations for fireworks would come from the city's fireworks ordinance, which states:
- First violation: a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $100;
- Second violation: a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $300; and
- Third and each subsequent violation: a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or 30 days' imprisonment, or both.
Roca said that in 2021, there were 521 calls for service received throughout the day, while last year on July 4, a lower 269 calls were received.
He said specific location information by those reporting violations is a big help in being able to enforce the city's ordinances.
"I would like for the members and visitors of our community to comply with the laws and ordinances of the Commonwealth of PA and the City of Allentown so that all may have a safe and enjoyable holiday," Roca said.
Roca did not directly respond to Tuerk's statement regarding consequences for violators at time of publishing.
Bethlehem police officials did not respond to requests for fireworks enforcement data and police officials from Easton said the research and compilation for such data could not be provided in time for publication.
Enforcement challenges anticipated
In anticipation of July 4, Allentown Police Capt. Alicia Conjour said last week that in most instances, officers "will still need to observe the fireworks being lit in order to issue a citation."
“We will continue to enforce these regulations to the best of our ability over the holiday weekend,” Conjour said. "Ultimately, the decision to issue or not issue a citation will be decided on a case-by-case basis based on the totality of the circumstances pertinent to the incident.”
Prior to the holiday, Allentown's Facebook Page warned to leave fireworks to the professionals, highlighting upwards of $1,000 fines and 30 days of jail time for getting caught setting off fireworks within 150 feet of a building.
Fireworks law changes put into effect
Various noteworthy changes in Pennsylvania fireworks law came into effect last year, making this the first Independence Day to have passed after Act 74 was signed into law.
Pennsylvania residents can buy and use Class C or consumer-grade fireworks, such as firecrackers, Roman candles or bottle rockets, but they must contain 50 milligrams or less of explosive material.
Professional grade fireworks require a municipality's permit.
Updates state that fireworks:
- Can't be ignited or discharged on public or private property without permission of the property owner
- Can't be directed at another person
- Can't be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle
- Can't be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the fireworks
