Having a backyard fireworks display? A new city task force is watching for just that

PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh is addressing the spike in the use of illegal fireworks by forming a task force.

Pittsburghers love their fireworks. So much so that the city has seen a nearly 400% increase in firework complaint calls. Pittsburgh police received 137 fireworks complaint calls from June 1 - June 21. They received a 28 total calls in the city during the same time last year.

Firework shows across the area have been canceled because of COVID-19, so people have started putting on their own. Other cities across the country have seen a spike.

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Public Safety officials want to remind people that fireworks, even those that were recently legalized, are still dangerous.

City law prohibits the use of fireworks, even those that are legal, within 150 feet of any structure. You can't set fireworks off in parks, public spaces or private property without permission from the owner.

Anyone caught violating fireworks law could face a fine of $100 and have their fireworks confiscated.

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