COLUMBUS, Ohio ― We’re still days away from the Fourth of July, but for the past few weeks people across the country have already gone forth with July.
Snaps, crackles and pops can be heard nightly across Ohio, as the skies and streets of residential neighborhoods light up.
“Mainly, I imagine because cops are pretty busy these days,” said David Farnum, a Columbus resident.
Columbus resident David Farnum is tired of the noise― and it’s getting him fired up.
“My dog is deaf, so I don’t have to deal with that issue, but it’s a big problem in the dog community. A big part of anxiety for dogs is loud noises,” said Farnum.
But one. man’s problem is another industry's windfall.
The American Pyrotechnics Association says sales are skyrocketing.
In a press release, they said:
"The APA predicts an all-time high in backyard consumer fireworks sales and use as families prepare to celebrate Independence Day at home due to the pandemic and cancellation of large public celebrations."
Here in Ohio, two bills are making their way through the Statehouse, aimed a loosening the laws around fireworks.
One that passed the House two weeks ago would make it legal to shoot off fireworks anywhere, anytime, as long as it was in accordance with jurisdictional laws.
“Seems unnecessary, because people shoot them off whenever, wherever, as is, so I don’t really see what difference legalizing it makes if you’re not going to enforce the illegal part of it,” Farnum said.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine agrees.
“Look, I understand the concern people have today that our law is not enforced, but I think also that I’m going to side with the children’s hospitals folks and the safety folks who can pretty much guarantee us that we’re going to have more people going into the emergency rooms and we’re going to see more kids go into emergency rooms if this passes,” he said.
That means the likelihood of these bills ever taking off is slim.
"I am not in favor of this bill. And that shouldn’t shock anybody who knows me well,” said DeWine.
Regardless, the bills continue to make their way through committee, even if DeWine plans to douse them if and when they reach his desk.