Stephanie Watkins appeared before the Crown Point City Council on Monday holding a box filled with burnt mortar and shrapnel as a result of a neighbor’s fireworks display.
Watkins said the burning embers were deposited on her property on South Court Street as a result of a neighbor’s fireworks display on June 29. She expressed concern over prolonged noise and potential damage to her home and others in the neighborhood, as well as injuries that could occur — not unlike the incident that occurred in the 900 Block of North Arbogast Street in Griffith that same day when four homes were damaged and seven people were hurt.
Noting that her car was damaged by a fireworks display in her downtown Crown Point neighborhood last year, Watkins expressed concern that her home could catch on fire from all the burning, falling debris. For that matter, she petitioned the city council to tighten up its fireworks ordinance to put the safety and well-being of residents first, such as notifying neighbors in advance of a display, securing a safe perimeter and cleaning up debris.
“People should have to accept responsibility for the damage they cause,” said Watkins, reminding the council of the bigger and more powerful fireworks available for purchase in Indiana.
Under city ordinance, fireworks are allowed between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29 and 30, July 1-3, and July 5-9. They are permitted between 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4. In addition, a display using professional-grade fireworks must be approved by the fire chief at least a week before the scheduled date.
Crown Point Police Chief Ryan Patrick said they have received no resident complaints this year of disruptive or excessive fireworks displays. He encouraged residents to call and report any issues and that an officer would come out to ensure the city’s fireworks ordinance was being followed and that no one was in danger.
Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Cusack said that, luckily, Crown Point hasn’t had any significant issues with property damage or injuries involving fireworks recently. He referred residents to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website for information about the legal use of fireworks.
Mayor Pete Land said that he would confer with other city officials and determine what adjustments could be made to Crown Point’s fireworks ordinance, noting that it mirrors state statute.
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.