Milton Cautions Against Using Fireworks In Equestrian Heavy City

MILTON, GA — Independence Day is a time for celebration. And every day in Milton is a time to be a good neighbor - for human and animal friends alike. Especially when it comes to fireworks.

It's a longstanding tradition in America to light up the skies to ring in America's birthday or a new year. Although not everyone likes it, at least when people know fireworks are coming so they can prepare.

State law mandates consumer fireworks be allowed in Milton on a handful of days, and at specified times. Two acceptable times coming up are between 10 a.m. and midnight on July 3 and July 4.

On all other days, city code prohibits "any loud and unreasonable noise," which is defined as any sound ... so loud in volume level and of such duration or character as to disturb the comfort, health, peace, safety, quiet enjoyment or repose of one or more (ordinary) persons. Those that go off in a random Thursday in June or Tuesday in July can be the most unsafe for unprepared people and pets.

These dangers are particularly pronounced in Milton given the sizable equestrian community.

This map shows half-mile radius bubbles around some of Milton horse farms. It's not every inch of every property with a horse, necessarily. But it shows general areas where fireworks can negatively impact Milton horses.

Horses can be strong, large animals, often growing to around 1,200 pounds. Even so, their instinctual reaction to thundering, unexpected bangs is to run and panic. This can happen if a firecracker explodes unexpectedly at night, spurring a horse to rush in their stable or race wildly in a pasture. The animal can harm themselves, humans trying to corral them and any property (like a fence or barn) in their way.

Other sensitive animals, like certain dogs, react adversely to fireworks as well. So do some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, the sharp bangs reminding them of war zones.

If you notice fireworks over Milton at prohibited times, you can alert Milton Police by calling the non-emergency police line at 678-297-6300.

Even on the days fireworks are allowed, certain rules are in effect. For instance, fireworks can not be set off within 100 feet of a gas station/fuel tank, electric substation, historic site, nursing home or a health care facility. Nor can they be lit on city grounds, including parks. Plus, any fireworks should satisfy U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations.

For more on rules and regulations on fireworks in Milton, as well as tips for protecting animals and neighbors, go online.