Fireworks scofflaws more likely to get a ticket than a tutorial this year

A city permit is necessary to light fireworks off in Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - This 4^th of July weekend will mark the fourth year of Rochester's Fireworks Ordinance, and Rochester Police expect enforcement to be somewhat tougher than in years past, and perhaps busier, too.

"With no city fireworks in Rochester or Dover, we suspect there may be a rise in usage," Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said today.
Rochester Police put out a press release and bulletin in June after several fireworks complaints showed up on police logs.

Only two June calls resulted in summonses, Pinkham said, adding that the focus over the weekend will now be more about enforcement.

In 2017 when the ordinance took effect, police responded to 72 fireworks complaints and summonsed 14 during the four-day 4^th of July weekend. On July 4 they saw 11 calls in a single hour.

"The enforcement plan is to get tougher, and while they're not high priority calls, if we can get there in a timely fashion, there will be more summonses then just warnings like in the past," said Pinkham, who noted only about two dozen residents had applied for a fireworks permit this year.

Those who have the $5 permit can legally set fireworks off on Friday, July 3, from 6 p.m.-midnight and on Saturday, July 4, from 6-11 p.m.

A summons can carry up to a $100 fine.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Mark Klose also urged residents to be mindful of the brush fire danger.

"Eeve though we had some rain in the past few days, by the weekend it will likely be very dry again," Klose said.