Legalize Better Fireworks in Idaho
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It’s fireworks season again, so I thought I’d bring up an annual fireworks issue.
No, this is not about the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration (I’d link their fireworks site but it’s been down for a few months now, anyone know why?), but rather is about consumer fireworks use.
There’s debate about what fireworks we citizens are allowed to purchase. Complaints are often lodged against our government that they don’t allow any good, entertaining fireworks.
What fireworks are we allowed in Idaho? I think the distinction has been described as anything that moves along the ground, flies in the air, or create a miniature explosion is illegal.
Sparklers, smoke bombs, fountains, novelty pops, crackle and strobe, wheels and spinners, and lighting punks are permitted. Bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, ‘missiles’, parachutes, sky flyers, and display shells are illegal without permit.
Essentially Idahoans are only allowed ‘boring’ fireworks. However, anyone can drive a minute over the Wyoming border and buy all of the illegal fireworks available in Alpine. The fireworks huts located within a mile of the border clearly communicate who their biggest customers are: Idahoans. We Idahoans flock to buy our fireworks in Alpine the way Utahns flock to buy Idaho lottery tickets in Franklin.
So everyone buying fireworks in Alpine and bringing them back to Idaho is breaking the law, right? However, hasn’t Idaho set itself up to be made a mockery of in regards to our fireworks laws? Do state police ever setup sting operations on the Wyoming border and bust people returning with illegal fireworks? I have never heard of such an event. Isn’t it true that police do not respond to reports of illegal fireworks being lit in Idaho Falls, because they are to busy with ‘real’ crimes?
The two arguments against these illegal fireworks are fire hazards and bodily injuries. I think fire hazards are mitigated when fireworks are used inside cities, out in the middle of streets (like they are now anyways). Perhaps the law could be changed to allow these more entertaining fireworks to be used within Idaho municipal city limits? Also, this report from a fireworks-safety group demonstrates an absurdly higher rate of fires started by cigarettes than by fireworks, and cigarettes are not illegal. In fact lighting is more than twice as likely to start a fire than fireworks.
The other issue of bodily injuries is clouded with misinformation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that almost half of injuries to kids under five result from sparklers. It makes sense because too many parents hand those sticks burning at 1,000 degrees to their little kids to wave and run around with.
It goes to show that injuries happen when precautions are not taken. The saying goes that ‘you can’t legislate stupidity’, so why are the better fireworks banned in Idaho? Why does Idaho effectively permit fireworks imports from Wyoming?
I propose Idaho legalizes these fireworks for sale in Idaho, both to eliminate the flagrant law-breaking that is now occurring and to generate more economic activity in our state. It’s time we stop sending so much money each summer over to Wyoming. Idaho should also plan annual safety awareness campaigns starting in June to help people understand the risks and dangers in order to combat injuries.
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Comments
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0 
0 You make a great point about late night fireworks. I would suggest allow them until midnight, then strictly enforce them afterwards.
I agree we should also keep the current time limit that they can be legally sold, unlike Wyoming where they sell them year-round.
Looking back over my post, I realized I didn’t really make the point I had in mind about personal injuries. My research found most fireworks injuries were from mishandling or misusing them. That’s why public safety campaigns in the weeks before may be helpful.
Otherwise, we allow no helmets on motorcycles in some states, and cigarette smoking; so at some point we just have to accept personal responsibility.
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0 0 Joe, of course you are right that most people with common sense and a little awareness of their surroundings should be safely able to handle fireworks. And I agree that accepting personal responsibility is the key in this case and a lot of others.
But there are a few things that still trouble me. About an hour ago I was out for my daily bicycle ride on the canal banks and saw a grass fire on the canal bank, starting to spread toward a utility pole. I called Public Safety on my cell phone and was told that they were already on the way. I talked to some people standing around and they said that the fire was started by skyrockets. With the heat and lack of recent moisture fire danger is increasing.
The thing about riding motorcycles without helmets and cigarette smoking is that they are legal. Granted, they are dangerous but still legal. On the other hand, illegal fireworks are not legal.
I find a flaw with the argument that if people are breaking the law anyway, the law should be changed. If that were the case, you could say that many people choose to drive drunk anyway so we should drop the DUI laws. And illegal immigrants are going to come anyway so we should give them amnesty. I don’t support either one of those scenarios but it could be argued that those laws are broken as much as the firework laws, it’s just that they’re not blowing up all around you so you don’t notice.
The city of Pocatello only allows “safe and sane” fireworks, and only between June 28 and July 6. They enforce their firework laws with plainclothes police officers. I think the Idaho Falls police could do a lot better job of enforcement if they cared enough to make it a priority. If they really wanted the problem to stop they could make a mandatory $300 fine for the first offense and give $100 reward to the first person who turned them in. I don’t like the ideal of snitching on people, but really is it any different than turning in a drunk driver, which we are encouraged to do?
Another situation that I could foresee happening is that if the illegal fireworks are legalized, then what happens when people start suffering property damage from them? Is the City of Idaho Falls now liable because they made these dangerous fireworks legal?
I realize that probably the majority of the citizens here enjoy fireworks and they are responsible about it. I don’t want to deny anyone their right to celebrate safely. It’s just gotten out of hand and it seems like it gets worse every year. First thing in the morning is the only time my dog dares go outside. I could live with that inconvenience if it were only for several days, but it goes on every day for weeks or even months.
In most cases I am all for personal rights, but I think that personal rights should end when one starts infringing on others’ personal rights. And I feel like that’s what fireworks do to me.
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0 0 What I meant to say was not if people are breaking the law anyways then we should get rid of it, but rather if the law is not being enforced then we should look at getting rid of it.
The pets is a tough issue, I have to admit I don’t have an answer for that.
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0 0 Joe, I’m with you. The only type of fireworks I can see being illegal would be rockets as you never know where they will land. The arial type of fireworks which would be the repeater type cakes and the mortar shells go straight up, break and they are done. I have been lighting these types of fireworks off since I was in junior high as I am from South Dakota and have now been living in Boise for 10 years now and have never started a fire or seen an injury from these types of fireworks. And in Sioux Falls, SD, get this, it was illegal to light fireworks off in city limits so we had to go out in the country to light them. Here is Boise you can light them in your subdivision where the grass is green and the roads are paved but for some reason someone here in Idaho thinks we should only have boring fountains and smoke balls to light. Someone really needs to rethink the whole fireworks issue and let us have a little freemdom to celebrate this great country.
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0 0 I live in eyesight of two cops in different directions. Illegal fireworks go off everwhere on our block this season, and they never do anything. It’s not enforced, which makes a mockery of the law, and drives Idaho dollars to Wyoming. It’s time to change that.
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0 0 I highly doubt the cops in your neighborhood Joe want to start arresting their neighbors. It wouldn’t be conducive to the safety of their property and families as people being as people are would retaliate. Its better for them to let it slide. Thats why many local cops live in other cities so that they don’t have to be put in a position of arresting their neighbors.
Also, I know that this time of the year is the busiest by far for the local police not even counting the fireworks. The plain and simple truth is that they don’t have time to enforce the fireworks complaints with all the other crap going on. Its easy to say put more police on the streets but no so easy to find officers to do that with. Nor is it easy to pay for it as the overtime costs alone would break the budget and many officers would riot if forced to come in on their off time to handle fireworks calls. You can talk about civic duty all you want but most officers would rather be spending time with their families. Simple truth and its not going to change.
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0 0 Great point, I hadn’t thought of that, that’s one of those unwritten rules of life that take so long to learn.
I agree with what you said, Chaism, and that’s why we need to legalize those fireworks. Let’s stop making a mockery of our laws if they aren’t or can’t be enforced, and let’s keep more money in Idaho.
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0 0 Those illegal fireworks can be bought in Fort Hall so there’s no reason to send our money out of state.
There have been several news reports the past few days regarding fireworks injuries and property damage, as well as firework related stress to our pets.
If Pocatello can enforce their firework laws, why can’t Idaho Falls? It’s a matter of priorities.
I can’t believe that it seems I’m the only one who thinks it’s not OK to openly defy the law and harass one’s neighbors.
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0 0 let kids and adults blow their fingers off. Because i bet you they won’t do it again. illegal fireworks are for enjoyment. They aren’t endangering your life. who spends fifty dollars on some stupid 3 minute fountain or shower? when they can buy a dozen other COOL things. that’s my opinion.
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0 0 There’s a reason they don’t sell “better” fireworks in this state and that’s because of the dry weather and extreme fire hazard. If anyone has ever driven through Tennessee or the Carolinas and noticed those huge warehouses they have right off the Interstate, now those fireworks stores sell some great fireworks. (they sell what the “big boys” use) and are sold year round. So for now all we can do is appreciate what we have and enjoy the show Melealuca puts on. From what I hear, Pocatello puts on a really nice show as well. Hope everyone has a great (& safe) fourth this year!
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0 0 I hope the local government can lighten up and let us folks run our own lives. I feel everyone has thier own speed they like to drive. I also think we all know whats best for our selves. I do not like having an uncle sam baby sitter. I think options and having the ability to make my own choices is perfered by my self. How do you all like being told what to to? Does anyone else here think our Government should leave us all alone and let us make our own minds up?
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0 0 Sure we have a real dry state, and fires happen because people who have no common cents buy these fire works. There are alot of risks in life. Some people have better judgement than others and do not have accidents. Why should they be grounded from cool fire works? I do not like being grounded by uncle baby sitter when I do not have the same problems other have with common cents. I think fire works should not have bans on private property. I want to have coices. Does any one else feel the same way?
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0 0 We have rules in life for a reason. If everybody “did what they wanted” it would be chaos. In my opinion, there’s no reason one can’t enjoy life with the rules currently in place. I know I for one don’t have a problem with Uncle Sam and his rules and I live a very rewarding and enjoyable life. But that’s just me.
I agree with CR on the fireworks issue.
Even if you’re lighting illegal fireworks on your own property, we all know how windy it is in SE Idaho. All it takes is one little bottle rocket to catch some dry grass on fire and before you know it the wind has spread this fire over half the mountainside and thousands of acres.. In my opinion, it’s just common sense. And if these “rules” help to save peoples lives and property, I’m all for it.
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0 0 I agree. I like to “ooh” and “ah” over spectacular displays of pyrotechnics the same as anyone, but I also think that the community has laws for a reason.
If I think the laws are no good, I work to end them or replace them with better laws. That’s our system, and it works for me, whether in the realm of speed limits on our roads, or for fireworks in our yards/fields.
I have neighbors who have great displays of illegal fireworks in the street every year…without fail. I’m reasonably certain the police know about it but unless something bad happens they aren’t making any moves.
Illegal fireworks start fires, cause injuries, and create neighborhood havoc when they are lit all night long every 4th of July season.
LEGAL fireworks start fires, cause injuries, and create neighborhood havoc when they are lit all night long every 4th of July season.
So like Joe V, I’m curious why we have these laws that the police can’t/won’t enforce. Why not look into legalization, allow the money to be spent in Idaho, instead of in the sovereign nation of Fort Hall, or in the sister state of Wyoming?
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0 0 I’m with Voice of Reason. It seems like a lot of young kids are injured by illegal fireworks. The stress on animals is profound.
Perhaps the children are those of the same parents who seem to think that those little ones should stay up until midnight, 1:00, 2:00 AM so the parents can keep the neighbors awake. This is more fun if it’s on a work night of course.
The police frequently state that there are too many calls that night to try to deal with all of them, so you’re on your own.
Do I sound unpatriotic? I don’t mean to. I ooh and ahh over them too but 10:00 rolls around and I want sleep. There is nothing more irritating then dozing off every 5 minutes only to be waken by a KABOOM every 6th. And then to have it continue into the wee hours of the morning is just too much for me, illegal or legal.
My preference would be to see the fireworks Phil Meador puts on simply because I have no respect for Vandersloot, but I am unwilling to drive to Pocatello to see them.
I also agree with CR67 regarding the wind and dryness here in Idaho and the potential for fire hazard. I did see a display put on by Meador once where the foothills caught fire. We saw lots of lights that night and it wasn’t all fireworks!
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0 0 Good point. I know there are laws for peoples protection. I would like ot see the laws lifted so they could sell the fireworks here and make some good profit. I dislike driving to Alpine every 4th to get my bag of fun. I still think accidents happen if people do not use common cents. I think there is some pyro in everyone and some people just like to find new ways to blow stuff up or make a bottle rocket fly over the fence to drill an unsuspecting neighbor. Some people like to do bad things with them and they still get these fireworks illegaly and let tax dollars go to another state that could pay for all of the fires started in Idaho from nature or fire works. Wouldnt the extra tax dollars be nice to pay for the fire fighting Idaho seems to do every year any ways?
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0 0 I think illegal fireworks are very dangerous, even the legall ones. Although I also think that they should not outlaw stronger fireworks then what they currently allow, except in our forests and grasslands, as potential fires can occur, not to mention the litter left behind, and should carry very stiff fines & jail time. Which I think is currently outlawed even with current legall fireworks. About the only thing I hate about them, is that the fourth of July seems to start in late June, then end in early September. The noise is awful after 9:pm when I am trying to sleep and have to get up a 5 to go to work. Seems a lot of people don’t have any consideration for that. Just their selfish agendas. Anyway, even though the more spectacular fireworks are illegal, it is impossible to get people to stop. Sure you can call the police, but they are unlikely to do anything, and if they do, it is usually a warning for the first offence. I prefer to obey the law, and respect the law, that unnessesary noises are against the law after 9:PM until 6:AM in Idaho Falls.
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0 0 Safe and Sane???? You know those little ground blooms? Yeah those ones that spin and make the cool colors…. I can get them to fly by standing them up right on the fuse end. I do believe that rather than ban a fire work, it should be up to the person whom is lighting them off to educate themselves with the dangers associated with the firework in which they are putting them selves at risk by lighting. I love fire works… however you can get hurt by even the lighter to light the so called “safe and sane” fire works off, not to mention if you light any firework off in the wrong place it will start a fire.
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0 0 I had so much fun on the 4th. I set off artillary shells and bottle rockets, Fire crackers and also tons of kid stuff like sparklers and stuff. I also love the green crackly balls too.
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0 0 Nice to see you abided by Idaho State law by not lighting illegal fireworks. Thats was real responsible of you.
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0 0 I’ve already said I agree with Joe V that they should be legalized, or law enforcement should actually enforce the law. Fat chance of either one happening…
For the last two nights, my new neighbors in the cul de sac have been setting off all the fancy illegals. The first night it was just after the big show, and when I looked out my window, I saw a police (or BCSO) officer in uniform with the group….not ticketing them and confiscating the rockets, but ENJOYING THE SHOW.
This woman had short dark hair, and was in uniform with the shoulder patch and badge, smoking a cigarette, and mostly sitting on the curb. She kept saying to one of the little ones “Come over here and sit with grandma” and he finally sat on her lap while she smoked and enjoyed the private show his dad or uncle or grandpa was putting on, out in the street.
No way am I calling in to her buddies to complain about the illegal fireworks and the fire danger (we found 5 shells where they landed in our backyard yesterday…and we are very grateful they did not hit our home or start a fire while we were in bed.)
The private show happened again last night but I was already in bed and didn’t go out to see who was cheering it on.
Yeah, Quest, you just lost my respect in that you refuse to obey the law just because you don’t like the law…that ought to get your CWP revoked, if you don’t think you have a duty to respect the laws of the land.
Change the law if you don’t like it.
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0 0 Nemesis said ” Yeah, Quest, you just lost my respect in that you refuse to obey the law just because you don’t like the law…that ought to get your CWP revoked, if you don’t think you have a duty to respect the laws of the land.”
I think thats a bit harsh when lighting off illegal fire works is a small fine. So let me get this right you want to create NAZI like laws that take away the right to pack a gun for small offenses? Man I would hate to lose my permit for not wearing my seat belt. Oh no I have J walked before better come over and ask me for my papers and take all my guns away. lol dude that sounds so stupid listen to your self that makes no sense at all.
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0 0 Ok I agree with everyone…
Points
1. Idaho law says fireworks can not be sold until the 23rd of June through July 5th. But I see firework stands popping up all over the place the first week of June. What’s with that?
2. Idaho law says only certain type of fireworks for sale. Yet most the firework places I walk into have bottle rockets, morters, firecracker, you know all the illegal stuff. This creates the impression that these are not illegal or no one cares since they are so readily available and no one does anything about it.
3. From the beginning of June until a week after the 4th, I have to put up with fireworks going off unitl well into the night. I work, I have young children who I expect to be in bed earlier at night and my neighbor has a dog that just goes crazy. Of course the dog barks ALL the time over every little thing anyway, but the fireworks exasperate the issue.
4. Some people are idiots.
On the other hand. I LOVE fireworks and I wouldn’t have a problem with a wider range of them being legal under the following condition… They may be let off 2 nights a year without a special permit. July 4th and New years. Any other time you want to light them, you have to obtain a permit. Say $5-$10 a night no more than 2 consecutive nights and no more than 5 nights a year. Additionally on the 4th you must be done by midnight. New years you must be done by 30 minutes after midnight.
Any night you have a permit for, you must comply with local noise ordances. That usually means you must be done by 10 pm and you cannot excede a certain noise level.
Anyone breaking these laws can not receive a permit for the period of 2 years in addition to really stiff fines for breaking these laws starting at $600 and going up for repeat offenders.
Yep, that should do it.
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0 0 I went to a number of fireworks stands all over the city and couldn’t find any bottle rockets. Not sure where you went, but they dont sell them in the city limits.
(legally at least)
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0 0 I think fireworks are a waste and dangerous tohave laying around. This year we had so many Pine trees die. Many have not been cut down yet. I have a problem with launching fireworks since there is a potential for irresponsible people setting them off over others property and setting fires. Many of my neighbors waste their money, and endanger others by setting these things off. This year I destroyed all of the remaining fireworks, and I do not intend on buying anymore.
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0 0 Oh, Quest #22, it’s the idea, not the specific crime, that I’m crabbing about. It seems that you have very little respect for the law, and in my opinion that seems to be a general concept with you rather than a one time only issue.
Do you gauge your law-abiding decisions on the size of the fine? “Hey, this law has a pretty low fine and I don’t like it anyway, so I’m just going to break it because I want to…”
Is there a certain amount of laws you’re allowed to break as a CWP holder? Some specific level you can’t go above, but break them all you want below that level?
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0 0 go lecture the other 50 million people in the country about it.
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0 0 Good rebuttal Nem. There are alot of laws I don’t like and wish weren’t there, but abide by them nevertheless. Although when I was a young whipper snapper I had the same attitude that qwest has. I’m sure he’ll grow out of it though, we all do. (well, most do) Certainly not the type of attitude towards the law I would think a cwp holder should have, or even one with children. I know when I had kids I became much more responsible for their sake, if not for any other reason then to be a good example for my children. Kids are alot smarter than we give them credit for, they catch and see every move we make. And their first instinct is to do what Mommy & Daddy do.
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0 0 Artiste, you took the words right out of my mouth. It’s rather amazing what becoming a parent can do to make you grow up isn’t it? Suddenly all the things that seemed okay, are not okay anymore.
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0 0 #27…”the other 50 million people in the country”? What country with only 50 million people are you referring to?
Don’t answer, I’m sure it’s not one I’m wanting to move to.
Good response, Artiste, I’ll just hang on here. And I’ll try to refrain from responding as I just did, so you don’t have to wonder about MY level of maturity…
Have a great night, all!
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0 0 Lol your being totaly rediculous. Go ahead and cast the first stone Mr perfect. I am sure you are just a modeled person who has followed every single law there is to a perfect T. Go ahead cast some stones. I follow most of the laws. Stop being so childish and attacking. the 50 million I am talking about are the ones who had the same fire works I did. Forthall did not mind us lighting them in the parking lot on the 4th. Its a sovern nation and doesnt have the same laws like Idaho falls and Poci. I never said once I lit them in Idaho falls or Poci. I said a safe parking lot. My fire works were purchased at Fort Hall and lit off at Fort Hall. I sure dislike people who bate attack and twist peoples words I hope you find something more productive to do with your time some day. You are part of the problem Idahofallz.com has with users. Try and act like a grown up some time so other people can come here and enjoy some conversation. Stop being a drauma queen all the time. Why do you like pissing people off for? Do you get some kind of gratification from it? I came on here with good intentions and not talking trash to people or being rude like you are being. I really hope you stop being part of the problem on this site.
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0 0 You have a good day, Quest! Hopefully you don’t continue to find me part of the problem on this site.
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0 0 Qwest, stop taking things so personally. All I saw here was a civil discussion between posters. Nobody was “bateing’ you or implying we don’t have a “sovern” nation. Everyone has a right to there opinion here, so don’t blow up when someone elses opinion differs from yours. Have a good day!
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0 0 Hey man guess I was just hot and miserable it did not take much to get me in a disgruntle. Dont worry about its all good.
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0 0 Qwest, lighten up!
I chuckled at this quote of yours:
“I came on here with good intentions
and not talking trash to people or being
rude like you are being”
as I recall, in one recent post you referred to all the “regulars” as “retarded” people who needed to “take their medication.”
So please, play fair. You have done your share of baiting and attacking. However, I agree with CR67: I didn’t see any thing in Ariste’s post other than a disagreement with your opinion: no baiting, no attacks, just some discussion. Let’s not go back to the petty namecalling, okay?
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You bring up some good points as to why better fireworks should be legalized in Idaho Falls, but there are some concerns that need to be addressed. By the way, I believe that all of the types of fireworks sold in Alpine are also sold in Fort Hall. I don’t know that first-hand but I’ve been told.
Personally, I would not want to see the law changed. The firework explosions around Idaho Falls are already too much in my opinion. How bad would it be if the honest law-abiding people also participated? If the laws were changed to allow “better fireworks” I think there should also be a narrow time window where they are allowed, no more than a week or so. That’s plenty. And only certain hours of the day, for instance maybe not past 11pm or so.
I feel that just because a lot of people are breaking the law doesn’t always mean the law should be changed. I think the current law should be better enforced. I realize that it is pretty hard for the police to keep up with because there is so much of it. Maybe if the fines were increased to where the risk was a little greater that would help.
As far as the “only” two drawbacks being fire risk and personal injury those seem like pretty good reasons not to legalize. But you didn’t mention some other problems associated with fireworks. For one, the noise. In my neighborhood from about the first of June till the middle or end of July fireworks can be heard at all hours of the day, sometimes well after midnight. That is very disrespectful to one’s neighbors.
Another huge problem associated with fireworks is how it affects our pets. I have already told in another thread how fear of fireworks and the stress related to them killed my pet dog. This is a very real problem that some people just don’t see. Take a minute and talk to a local vet, or the animal shelter and ask them how big the problem is. It’s real. There was a letter in the PR about it the other day.
That is why at the very least if the laws are changed I would want a short period where they are legal, and strict fines and enforcement if the time window is violated. But I would prefer that no new fireworks are allowed. I realize that they are pretty to look at and all that, but do we really need to go around blowing up a bunch of stuff? As for myself I prefer to do more constructive things with my money.