The Legality of Fireworks and Dangers to Communities
The tragic apartment complex fire apparently caused by illegal fireworks surely would have been averted if a total ban on so-called safe and sane fireworks had been enforced by our City Council.
Safe and sane “piccolo petes,” as an example, have legally been classified as illegal when converted from ground to air missiles. Sparklers, too, are sometimes thrown into the air, an illegal pursuit. How many overenthusiastic, playful individuals will devastate the community with warped ideas to convert other safe and sane fireworks? How ironic that such a fire happened in Anaheim--a no-ban city.
Anaheim groups that raise charitable funds for vital projects surely could initiate a more lucrative, creative way to raise capital. What is the gain here when the very people they are trying to help are crucified in such mortal tragedy? Yes, the combined fire-police task force, which does nothing but respond to fireworks-related complaint calls, have literally saved the city, year after year, the expense of this vital operation. Surely their labor would be cut in half with a total ban.
They rely on public information to arrest illegal fireworks users.
DAWN JOHNSON
Anaheim
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