Fourth can be fun without aerial fireworks

Don't we all love fireworks exploding in the sky to celebrate the Fourth of July?

Well, yes, when it's the Fourth of July.

But no, when it's not weeks until it's time for our Independence Day celebration.

The problem is that exploding fireworks start much earlier than the Fourth of July. Weeks out, those big booms from above light up neighborhoods. They shake up homes, disturb residents, frighten pets and can be harmful for veterans. 

Now, some will argue it's no big deal, they're just having fun once a year. That it's all about freedom and doing what they want because that's what America is — the land of the free!

But maybe we can tone it down a bit. Not everyone is a fan of fireworks and the loud noise and bright lights that come with them.

As summer festivities approach, the sights and sounds of fireworks once again become part of the season. But in Coeur d’Alene this year, the city's message is clear — celebration must not come at the expense of safety.

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is reminding us that aerial fireworks are prohibited within city limits. This isn't law enforcement being overbearing and infringing on your rights to do what you please. It is a necessary response to real risks. Every year, aerial fireworks lead to injuries. 

This year, those dangers are compounded by fire threats across the region. Recent fires in nearby Spokane and Kellogg — which resulted in the loss of homes and other structures — underscore just how quickly a spark can turn into devastation. 

That's why we support the Coeur d'Alene City Council’s updated ordinance on fireworks. By holding property owners and tenants accountable for using illegal fireworks on their property, the city emphasizes responsibility. This is not about punishing celebration; it is about ensuring that celebrations do not spiral into emergencies that put lives, homes and natural resources at risk.

Remember, the city is not banning fireworks. You're free to ignite all the "Safe and Sane," fireworks you like. Those are fine for the Fourth. Nice and colorful, but less dangerous than their aerial relatives.

Coeur d'Alene Police Capt. Dave Hagar said officers are not eager to hand out tickets for violating fireworks laws. They have better things to do. They prefer education and voluntary compliance. But police need the ability to cite those who knowingly allow illegal fireworks on their property without having to see the infraction.

The police put it well in their Thursday press release on this issue. It is simple and does not ask too much. It is not even saying don't use fireworks on the Fourth. It is just asking that we obey the law.

"Please be considerate of your neighbors, structures, and our natural resources. We don’t want to be the uninvited guests at your party."