Fireworks Are Largely Canceled, Except In CT Streets Every Night

CONNECTICUT — The irony this Fourth of July is that celebratory fireworks shows are largely canceled. But not in the streets at night.

Beginning this spring, the nightly barrage of mostly illegal firecrackers in cities and towns all over was shrugged off as a possible pandemic response: people maybe letting off steam. But for the past month, all over Connecticut, in big cities and small towns, it’s been incessant.

In Hartford, police said they are getting in excess of 200 calls a day about fireworks. They even set up a hotline. And, pointed out that the noise from bottle rockets and Roman candles, shot cakes, M80s, cherry bombs, blockbusters, even artillery shells are far more than nuisance.

“Those with PTSD, babies, children, elderly, & pets have to endure the late night noise,” Hartford Police tweeted. “Call the line for firework complaints at 860-757-0000, or the firework text line at 860-294-8233.”

A couple of days later, boom, so to speak.

All over social media for weeks, complaints from Avon to Westport, people are fed up.

Well, not everyone, but most.

“You must live in Westport by the train station! I’m in Norwalk, right across the tracks & I hear them every night! So the hell what? People need to do something and let off some steam! Put ear plugs in and get over it!”

On a North Haven community Facebook page, a resident asked, “Does anyone else hear fireworks Every. Single. Night.? I honestly could not care less but my dog freaks out and shakes all night. Anyone else hear them and is there anything I can do to stop this?”

Dozens commented, nearly all unhappy. Mostly, because of their dogs.

“Yes, every night lately. My poor dog. I just don’t understand the point of them. They want to do it on the 4th of July fine but every night is ridiculous!”

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In Hamden, this one from June 16, garnered dozens of comments, too.

“Good morning, I was wondering if anyone knows why all of the sudden around Woodin St and Pine Rock Rd area around 11pm fireworks start and continue for nearly an hour. If you know who it is or if it is you, could you please stop, some people need to work and it keeps them from sleeping or have PTSD and it triggers them late at night. Thank you for your assistance in this.”
Again, people were upset and voiced their frustrations.

“It’s after midnight. My kids have been up all night. I’m over it.”

See related: Connecticut's 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Guide: When and Where

Dubbed the summer of fireworks by some, the bangs and booms far predate the first day of summer. And people are fed up.

Vernon Police took to Facebook to tell people that they understand the frustration many are feeling owing to the nightly booms and cracks, but to not call 911.

Save for sparklers and fountains, fireworks are illegal in Connecticut

Sparklers and fountains, which are nonexplosive and non-aerial are legal but only for ages 16 and older. Explosive fireworks and novelty ones like party poppers, snake and smoke devices, or anything that emits a flame is completely illegal.

The Winchester Police Department put folks on notice that it intends to enforce laws against setting off, or possessing, fireworks.

At the very least, it’s a misdemeanor charge and fines can be $500 or more and possible jail time of up to one year upon conviction. And charges can amount to felonies for “manufacture” of explosive devices.

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Friday, the Meriden Police noted that it, "as well as many other communities within the United States, have been experiencing an unusually high level of violations with concern to the use of fireworks."

The department then went on to explain that in addition to being illegal, "the explosions of illegal fireworks can cause stress to pets, those with medical conditions, children, and many citizens in general. Additionally, the use of illegal fireworks can cause a risk of fire, injury, and death." And then proceeded to lay out the law saying it would enforce state laws against the use and possession of fireworks. Minutes later, they posted this bust of such a cache of fireworks, they called in the bomb squad.

Meanwhile, people are fed up and hope that soon, the nightly cracks barrage will abate.

Are you experiencing this in your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments.