FITCHBURG — Reports of illegal fireworks being set off are up nearly fivefold over last year in the city and Police Chief Ernest Martineau says it’s a major quality of life issue, calling for residents to “be considerate of their neighbors.”
“For those who are setting off fireworks, we’re asking them to be considerate of the people around you,” Martineau said. “Understand the potential of havoc and danger it creates when you’re setting them off.”
Fitchburg police received 76 calls related to fireworks between April 1 and June 10, which is up from just 13 calls in the same time frame last year. That’s a 484% increase.
Martineau said the number of fireworks being set off is doing major harm to the community, and he reiterated that the explosives are illegal in the state.
“It’s all quality of life issues that are being impacted,” he said. “People can’t sleep, their children are being woken up, and pets go crazy.”
The chief said he’s also concerned for local military veterans who might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health trauma, adding that loud pops or booming explosions could negatively impact them.
There’s also the concern that the fireworks could start a structure or brush fire.
June Roy, a Cleghorn resident, said last week on social media that she heard fireworks being lit in the middle of the night.
“Early in the evening, then in the middle of the night is so unnecessary,” Roy said. She added her two dogs were frightened of the loud noises and called for an end to the fireworks.
Police have seized dozens of boxes of fireworks recently, many of which Martineau said are coming from New Hampshire.
“We can blame it on the pandemic, we can blame it on people being cooped up, but a big factor is our proximity to purchasing these products legally right over the line,” said Martineau.
Individuals found to have fireworks can be charged with illegal possession of fireworks and disturbing the peace.
Martineau said the department is responding to nearly five complaints every day from residents worried about the pyrotechnics.
“We’re taking this seriously and we’re well aware of what’s going on,” he said.
Since April, most of the complaints have come between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., and 37% come during the 9 p.m. hour.
Residents who hear fireworks being set off are encouraged to call the Police Department at 978-345-4355 or use the anonymous tip line on its website http://fitchburgpolice.com/
