Cool It With The Fireworks, Morris Co. Police Plead

ROXBURY, NJ — They promise, they're not trying to be jerks or ruin your Fourth of July Fun— but the Roxbury Township Police Department does want you to cool it with the fireworks this holiday weekend.

"We understand, many people think fireworks are harmless and fun and we are a bunch of jerks trying to ruin your parties. We totally get where you are coming from. We realize you are just trying to have innocent fun, but there are unintentional complications that sometimes arise with fireworks," the department wrote in a Facebook plea.

The fireworks nuisances also aren't their fault, officers pointed out, and when you call they do their best to help— even if it doesn't seem fast enough to you.

"We also don’t enjoy getting yelled at on the phone about how we are not doing anything about the fireworks at 123 Main Street. We drove over, there were no fireworks at the time. Then we got dispatched to a difficulty breathing. We left 123 Main Street and while we were administering CPR, you called 3 more times to let us know they were firing them off again," police wrote.

Police prioritize calls, and they ask that residents are patient when a fireworks call isn't answered immediately.

"Trust us, the addresses are on our radar and we will be riding around in the area. Just give us some time," police said.

Their reasoning for taking a break from the explosives mirror common fireworks complaints that pop up online every summer (this list is in the police department's own words):

• There are brand new parents down the street who have been trying to get their newborn to sleep for the past hour, it’s late, they’re exhausted and frustrated.
• The neighbor who works the night shift and is trying to get in a couple of hours of sleep before they head to work.
• There are men and woman who spent their lives defending this Country for your freedom. The sound fireworks could possibly trigger unwanted stressors for them.
• An older couple just adopted a dog and had him outside running around a yard with their newly installed invisible fence. They didn’t know the neighbors would be setting off fireworks and couldn’t get him in the house in time. He was so scared he ran right through the invisible fence and was hit by a car down the road.
• Jason Pierre-Paul…. Doesn’t need an explanation.
• The majority [of fireworks] are illegal. Please visit the Department of Consumer Affairs for a list of legal ones.

(In case the "Jason Pierre-Paul" reason does need some explaining: Pierre-Paul is a football player that lost much of his right hand in a fireworks mishap. He was playing for the New York Giants at the time, but was injured in Florida, where fireworks were legal.)

• Read More: Morris County 4th Of July Fireworks 2019 Guide

Fireworks were partially-decriminalized in New Jersey in 2017. Then-Gov. Chris Christie signed a fireworks legalization bill into law just days before Independence Day that year, and many stores didn't have time to stock up. 2018 was the first year legal fireworks we're readily available in New Jersey.

The only types of fireworks that are currently legal in New Jersey are handheld sparklers, ground-based sparklers, and novelty items like party popper and snappers. Those fireworks don't generally make loud noises, but can still be dangerous.

All other fireworks, like explosive and aerial fireworks, sky rockets, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles remain illegal in the state. Using banned fireworks is a disorderly persons offense and can carry a fine of up to $500. And don't think about buying them in Pennsylvania and driving them into Jersey to get around the rules— they're illegal to possess and use in the Garden State, even if you legally bought them somewhere else.

While small children might be excited by the bright lights of handheld sparklers, all fireworks remain banned for children under the age of 16.

The law is designed to keep the most dangerous types of fireworks out of the hands of New Jersey revelers, but any type of open flame can be a safety risk. For those using fireworks for the first time, or for anyone who needs a safety refresher, here are safety tips from the National Council On Fireworks Safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.