Fireworks in the City of Bradford are creating a disturbance, and a group of concerned citizens is working with Bradford City Police to address the growing issue.
A post to social media by Bradford City Police announced a potential reward of $100 for anyone who can provide a video of an individual setting off fireworks within 150 feet of a structure, either vacant or occupied.
“A group of concerned citizens that live within the city, who have had nights disturbed and pets disturbed, got together, formulated a fund and came to the Police Department and City Council with the idea. They asked if we would entertain that idea,” Acting Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward said.
“We are not trying to discourage people from having fun on the Fourth, we just want people to have a safe Fourth. We want to remind residents that we will be enforcing fireworks laws, and we are asking people to understand, to work with us and be respectful of their neighbors,” Ward said.
Ward explained the situation does not include sparklers or small-scale fireworks, but rather the use of larger fireworks that have recently become legal to purchase in the state of Pennsylvania. The change to the laws has led to greater use of the fireworks, without proper attention to the regulations.
“We are trying to promote safety and that is our overall goal,” Ward said. “We have had residents bring fireworks into the station that they have found on their roofs, which can create property damage, as well as risk of injury and fire.”
This time of year regularly brings complaints of fireworks set off within city limits, but this year’s calls have already added up to a higher total than police normally record.
“Ultimately, the number of complaints has been nearly double this year. Based on those complaints, we are cooperating with this group of concerned citizens, with a reward offered to any person who can capture video of a violation occurring,” Ward said.
Ward noted that there are few locations within city limits where it would be legal to set off larger fireworks. Anyone who would like to set off commercial fireworks and can “find a location that is 150 feet from all structures — which would most likely be outside the city — that is their right to do so.”
Meanwhile, those who continue to set off fireworks within 150 feet of structures within city limits run the risk of fines or prosecution if caught on video. The video must be clear enough and of sufficient quality to lead to a fine or prosecution for the violator, per the post.
According to the social media post, the funds are limited and “rewards will be paid out in the order the successful videos are received.”
Videos can be submitted via Facebook to the City of Bradford Police Department or through Crimewatch.
