Safe fireworks

In some Cape Girardeau neighborhoods, it seemed as though there were more problems with illegal fireworks this year than in years past. But the police department said it received 20 percent fewer complaints. In all, 17 people (including 11 juveniles) were cited for using fireworks improperly. No fireworks injuries were reported, city officials said.

Most of the neighborhood complaints were about the use of bottle rockets, even though they are banned inside the city limits, and the firing of similar projectile fireworks at individuals, passing cars and houses -- all creating a threat of injury or serious fire hazard.

Anyone who drove through an onslaught of fireworks aimed at his vehicle in some areas of town wonders what can be done to prevent these potentially dangerous attacks. City officials in recent years have adopted restrictions on fireworks, and they appear to favor the safe use of fireworks without imposing an outright ban.

Since bottle rockets cannot be legally sold in Cape Girardeau, it seems some residents are going out of town to buy these fireworks. If these dangerous fireworks are being purchased by children whose parents allow it, shame on the parents. And if these fireworks are being obtained and used by adults, shame on the adults for their warped sense of holiday safety.

A sizable majority of area residents enjoy fireworks that can be set off safely at home in celebration of Independence Day. Let's hope the misuse of fireworks -- thanks, in large part, to irresponsible adults -- doesn't eventually result in a ban.