For six hours on New Years Eve, Anchorage residents are legally allowed to let off fireworks.  While many people enjoy this, others want the local Assembly to put a stop to it.  Critics of this law want fireworks banned all year round.

Anybody who has ever lived in a city which allows fireworks will know that there are some dangers associated with them.  People have been injured by letting fireworks off.  Some have even been hit by fireworks which others lit.  Animals are terrified of the noise and there are more house fires this time of the year.  While these are fair complaints, the risk of these events occurring can be minimized.  Those who follow the instructions that come with the fireworks and keep themselves at a distance from them will have a smaller risk of being injured.  This will also lead to less stray fireworks which in turn will reduce house fires.  Pets should be kept inside during this time of the day.  Ideally animals will have some company so that they are less frightened.



While most people are sensible with fireworks, there are always going to be a small percentage of people who are not.  Unfortunately a law change is not going to change this.  In fact all a law change will achieve is more people letting off fireworks illegally.



The Assembly will be meeting before New Years Eve 2011 to discuss this issue.  They will also be dealing with problems such as the legality of owning fireworks after New Years Eve has passed.