Our View: Light a fuse on common sense

We love fireworks. They’re loud, illuminatingly spectacular and even inspiring to many, especially on the Fourth of July. Who among us hasn’t gone “ooh” or “aah” over a fireworks display?

This time of year brings out a significant number of amateur fireworks enthusiasts shooting off their bottle rockets, firecrackers, sparklers and mortars in the days around the Fourth.

Which makes complaints to law enforcement about loud fireworks set off at all hours of the night peak around this time of year.

We understand the frustration. Fireworks aren’t nearly so annoying at 8 p.m. in late June or early July. But it’s still light then, so most people wait to set them off after dusk, which is well after 9 p.m., a time when many children are being put to bed. Then, about 10 p.m., there’s a real uptick in the booming. By that time, they are just loud, disruptive and annoying.

Deputy Rob Lucas, assigned to patrol the Esko area, reminds us that many fireworks are illegal in Minnesota, including many bought in nearby Wisconsin. And with the dry weather, some fireworks can be risky, potentially causing a grass fire or worse.

Minnesota state statute allows possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks — sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items such as snakes and party poppers — but it does not allow use of “anything that flies or explodes” for use by other than a certified fireworks operator. The Minnesota list of illegal fireworks includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, Roman candles and any mortars and shells.

There’s the inevitable neighbor who will shoot off those illegal versions late into the night.

We encourage people to exercise a little common courtesy and consideration for neighbors when playing with fireworks. Try to resist late-night displays. Respect those trying to sleep or wind down in the evening.

Lucas reminds us that safety is critical. Keep children clear of dangerous fireworks, legal and illegal. They won’t think about consequences until they are rushed to an emergency room. Avoid mixing alcohol and fireworks, poor judgment can lead to missing fingers.

And be mindful of where the spent fireworks will fall, as sparks and hot waddings can start fires, especially during the current dry conditions.

Deputy Lucas had another suggestion for us: Let your neighbors know you are planning a fireworks display. Maybe they’ll enjoy the show, too. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and keep the peace.

We are disappointed that the grand fireworks display over the river in Cloquet was canceled this year, so we understand smaller, private displays will probably increase. But please be safe and considerate of others.