Illegal fireworks use in the neighborhood?

Fireworks are popular during Independence Day celebrations, but they also cause problems for many people. Every year around July 4th, people flood social media and call government offices with complaints and questions. So let’s discuss the basic, the steps, and courtesies.

Fireworks are legal year-round in Houston on private property, but only with the property owner’s permission. The owner doesn’t have to be there, but they must give clear consent. Except for a few hours around New Year, fireworks are illegal everywhere else in the Mat-Su Borough, including on July 4th. Using fireworks breaks local laws in Palmer, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Borough. The only exceptions are licensed shows that work with local authorities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

If you’re using fireworks legally in Houston, follow the directions on the package. Never hold fireworks in your hands, point them away from people, never shoot them at others, and clean up the burned shells because they can stay hot and start fires. A sober adult must always supervise firework use. Most importantly, never change or alter store-bought fireworks, even if you saw something cool online. People get seriously hurt every year by not following safety rules. This will be the last weekend some people will have 10 fingers throughout the United States; don’t be one of them.

If someone uses fireworks outside Houston or during quiet hours, contact local authorities, not state agents. Alaska State Troopers can’t enforce local laws that aren’t backed by state laws. There are no state laws against fireworks except during fire closures, so calling 911 or State Troopers might not get a response. Don’t call the fire department unless there’s actually a fire or emergency.

The best approach is having a friendly conversation with your neighbors about your concerns. Talk to them calmly and respectfully about unsafe firework use. It’s better to share your worries before the holiday rather than approaching someone in the dark on their property, which could lead to an argument. Having a rapport with neighbors often helps them work with you.

Local code compliance departments handle ordinance violations. In Wasilla and Palmer, you can call the non-emergency police numbers to report illegal fireworks, but these calls are a lower priority than emergencies and crimes. Illegal firework use is usually an “offense,” not a “crime,” and police need to stay available for emergencies. Instead, document what’s happening and report it to your local code enforcement office the next day. All three cities and the Borough have code enforcement officers.

When you file a report, provide proof of the violation. Video recordings work best, especially if they show which property or vehicle the fireworks came from. Send this information to the code compliance office’s email address. Code compliance can follow up with property owners and investigate illegal firework use. They might not always issue fines if they can’t prove who used what, where, and when, but it puts the property on their watch list and helps track how many violations occur. Code enforcement doesn’t work 24/7 because fireworks aren’t an emergency, but they can investigate later.

If you want to use fireworks for the holiday, go to Houston. It’s the only place in Mat-Su where fireworks are legal. If you don’t know any property owners, ask at fireworks stands about properties where owners allow use. Stay legal and safe. If you plan to use fireworks, think about your neighbors and their pets. Nobody wants to wake up at 2:00 am to fireworks, especially veterans and people who have survived shootings. Livestock may be vulnerable to the noises. Even in Houston, you must observe quiet hours: normally 10:00 pm to 7:00 am, except 1:00 am to 7:00 am from July 1st to July 7th. Check local laws online.

You can also ask about “quiet fireworks” at stores. These make much less noise and are better for people and pets who get scared by loud sounds.

By following these guidelines, everyone can enjoy Independence Day while respecting the law and their neighbors’ peace and safety.