2019/07/08 - Mayor's Column: Update About Fireworks
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Last week, we celebrated Independence Day. I was excited to see the great attendance at Fireworks Over O’Fallon on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who attended the show. We appreciate everyone’s patience when traveling to and from the show. We also appreciate everyone’s respect for each other’s safety.
During this time of year, we receive a lot of phone calls about fireworks. Just a reminder: Both State Statute (425ILCS 35/2) and O’Fallon City Ordinance (Ord. 137.42B) prohibit the use of Fireworks. Citizens who chose to disobey this law may be subject to fines up to $750 per incident.
We want everyone to be respectful of their neighbors. You don't have to shoot off fireworks to have a fun Fourth of July. Especially with the number of professional shows that take place in the immediate area.
In recent years, the size and strength of fireworks have increased greatly. Many fireworks that were only available to large fireworks displays are now available to the common citizen. In addition to being dangerous, these large fireworks create loud noises that are a nuisance to your neighbors and pets.
Residents must also be aware that everything they shoot up in the air will come down and likely not on their own property. Some of these fireworks may still be hot and can pose a fire risk to houses and other structures in the area.
During this holiday, our local first responders and 911 center are inundated with calls related to fireworks. On July 3rd and 4th this year, our 911 dispatch center handled 67 calls related to fireworks. This is over 11% of all calls received. The O’Fallon Police Department issued over a dozen written warnings for fireworks.
I know that everyone likes to celebrate the holiday in their own manner. But please, before you do, stop to think about the injuries that can occur. During the holiday, our local hospitals had two reported injuries due to fireworks.
Also, please think of the time that it takes for our Police, Fire, EMS, and dispatch center to respond to fireworks. In the time it takes them to respond to fireworks, they are potentially taken away from more serious emergencies that may need their attention.
We were fortunate this year that there were no fires started by illegal fireworks. However, that is not always the case. In two of the last three years, our Fire Department has had to respond to structure fires started by fireworks.
Before you shoot off the rest of the leftover fireworks, please take into account the impact that it may have on your neighbors. Especially those that may be adversely impacted by their loud noise. Fireworks may also have a negative impact on pets.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!