Ordinance aimed at safer fireworks in Cape

Who knew Cape Girardeau has no law against shooting fireworks from a moving car on the Fourth of July? Or that there is no prohibition against firing them off from the top of a building or at another person's property?

Under the city's fireworks ordinances, such activities are fuzzy enough to make them questionable but probably not outright illegal.

The Cape Girardeau City Council is about to change that, with an ordinance that implements new rules and clarifies existing language that makes these irresponsible actions clear violations of the law.

The new ordinance prohibits shooting off fireworks from inside or on top of buildings and knowingly discharging fireworks at another person's property without that person's consent.

It also makes it illegal to shoot fireworks at or from cars or at or near any person or group. It also allows the police chief to issue a permit for discharge of fireworks that otherwise would violate the law.

Clearly, the situation had gotten out of hand. Last year there were 160 complaints about fireworks from June 20 through July 4. The proposed changes should have the effect of decreasing the number of those complaints.

If not, offenders could be punished. Under the new ordinance, violations carry a maximum penalty of a $500 fine or 90 days in jail. More likely, police will issue warnings. But if someone is hurt by reckless use of fireworks, these penalties may -- and should -- be applied.

Those who like shooting off fireworks should note that some city officials, including the mayor, would like to ban fireworks entirely. If problems continue, the privilege of shooting fireworks may go up in smoke.

Another key provision of the new rules on fireworks is that it would lift the current ban on the sale or discharge of fireworks within 600 feet of a church or school.

Police chief Steve Strong says the old law, which is at least 27 years old, is unfair and unenforceable because a huge number of homes are near churches or schools.

When police have tried to enforce that aspect of the law, they have found themselves in the position of having to tell a family it can't use fireworks while nearby neighbors can.

Strong said that there are virtually no sections of town where it is illegal under the new ordinance to discharge or sell fireworks.

In some cases, it would be illegal to shoot off fireworks in someone's back yard and not their front yard.

Instead, the council approved a measure that prohibits the sale or discharge of fireworks on any church or school property without written permission. That should alleviate concerns from those groups.

Shooting fireworks can be a fun way for families to celebrate Independence Day. But it can also be dangerous. Let's hope that with these new rules -- and strong enforcement of those rules -- it can become safer and more enjoyable for everyone.