LAKEWOOD, NJ – As the Fourth of July approaches and the official start to summer draws near, Lakewood Township Mayor Ray Coles (D) says the town is experiencing a ‘large increase’ in the use of fireworks, both legal and illegal.
In a statement made to the Lakewood Scoop, Coles asked residents of the city to stick to legal fireworks and to leave the larger fireworks to the professionals.
“I have been receiving a lot of calls from folks complaining about fireworks exploding late at night,” Coles said in a statement to TLS. “Many have young children who are scared by the noise & have trouble getting back to sleep. I can attest to my pets having the same reaction. Many nights I must coax our younger dog out from behind the couch, where she takes refuge from the noise.”
Lakewood will be hosting a public fireworks display on July 3rd to celebrate the 4th of July.
While ground-based sparkling novelty fireworks are now legal in New Jersey for buyers over the age of 15, under the law, explosive fireworks and rockets are illegal and dangerous.
Bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, mortars, skyrockets and other explosive and incendiary devices are illegal.
“A person can be charged with a fourth-degree crime if he or she sells, offers or exposes for sale, or possesses with intent to sell, any fireworks, other than sparkling devices and novelties to persons 16 years of age or older,” according to the law firm of Einhorn and Barbarito. ” person can also be charged with a petty disorderly persons offense if he or she purchases, uses, discharges, causes to be discharged, ignites, fires or otherwise sets in action, or possesses fireworks without having the required permit.”
The Jersey Shore Blueclaws will host public fireworks displays on Juny 4th, 8th, 22nd; August 5th, 19th, 26; and September 9th.