CHENANGO COUNTY – It's official. Tomorrow is the single most patriotic holiday on the summer calendar, and with that in mind nothing screams “God Bless America” quite like a Whisker Biscuit, save for a Whistling Kitty or two.
Comical names aside, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently made certain consumer grade fireworks legal for purchase in New York — but don't look to backyards for the rocket's red glare, or anything bursting in air in Chenango County. Those kinds of shock-and-awe supplies are only legal in Pennsylvania and beyond. Pyrotechnics available to regular people in the Empire State are of the sparkling variety only: no missiles, no big bangs.
But while Cuomo relaxed the strict fireworks policy to include sparkling devices, Chenango County residents are being forewarned that all fireworks are still illegal throughout the county.
The last time Chenango County residents could legally let sparks fly on the Fourth of July, FDR was president the year was 1940, and according to officials that's still the rule.
While state law allows the discharge and purchase of these “legal” varieties, counties must first “opt-in” for fireworks sales and, to date only 31 out of New York's 62 have.
Even if the new law applied, most of Chenango's fireworks enthusiasts might see the change as a dud. Sparklers can be dangerous because they burn at nearly 1,200 degrees. In fact, it is still illegal for anyone under 18 to buy, or handle sparklers or any other fireworks.
“The process for changing the local law to align with the state law isn't rocket science,” said R.C. Woodford, Chenango County Board of Supervisors clerk. Woodford went on to explain that a motion to adopt a new law in favor of legalizing the simple fireworks hasn’t been made one way or another simply because no one has made an issue of it. Likewise, Woodford said that it would only take a letter or petition from community members for the issue to be placed on the docket for consideration.
Regardless of what county one may be in, the state legislation still bans all types of fireworks in the New York City metro area.
Furthermore, residents are also re-cautioned that buying bigger, better fireworks in states like Pennsylvania and bringing them back to New York is also illegal.
“Point blank, they’re illegal in Chenango County,” said Chenango County Undersheriff Daniel Frair. “We know that people are going to use them, and with limited resources we may not be able to respond to every nuisance call, so we're urging everyone to practice extreme caution this weekend, especially when small children are around,” he added.
According to Frair, if a deputy is dispatched and finds probable cause, those using fireworks can be charged with “Unlawfully dealing with a firework and dangerous fireworks,” a class B misdemeanor.
Frair also warns that since it's illegal to set off fireworks, if a fire is ignited and property is destroyed as a result of carelessness, those responsible can prosecuted for arson. The undersheriff also explained that while fireworks are a treat for humankind, canines are extremely sensitive to the loud pops and bangs associated with the festive fuss, prompting the sheriffs department to post an infographic on its Facebook page.
Said Frair, “Our priority is to ensure public safety and enforce the laws, we want to be sure that everyone enjoys the holiday responsibly and as safely as possible.”