Pittsburgh officials to enforce fireworks laws, restrict large gatherings during July 4th weekend

Pittsburgh’s public safety agencies are taking a different approach to monitoring gatherings to mark Independence Day because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We all know that these are uncertain and trying times,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said in a statement. “But if we can pull together as a city and each of us do our part to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe, hopefully we can come together as a city next year and have a Fourth of July celebration that no one will ever forget.”

The pandemic has dashed the usual plans for fireworks displays and mass gatherings at Point State Park and on the North Shore.

And with a countywide ban in place on alcohol consumption at bars, officials will instead be monitoring private gatherings and advising those who aren’t complying with recommended social distancing guidelines.

Police and other public safety agencies will be out in force Saturday, looking for people driving under the influence and breaking up any large-group gatherings in public spaces, the city’s public safety department said in a news release.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health advises against gatherings of more than 250 people.

Monitoring residents’ fireworks

The city also formed a Fourth of July Fireworks Task Force to respond to fireworks complaints, which have surged this year.

Between June 1 and 21, police received 137 fireworks complaints — a nearly 400% increase over the 28 calls received during the same time frame in 2019, according to officials.

“As a Pittsburgh native myself, I understand that fireworks are an important part of the way we celebrate our Independence Day,” Hissrich said. “Please remember that fireworks are a real fire hazard and can be very dangerous.”

Although they’re legal to buy in Pennsylvania, setting them off within Pittsburgh’s city limits is almost always in violation of city laws because they can’t be set off within 150 feet of any structure.

Fireworks are also prohibited in parks and public spaces within the city. Those in violation can be fined $100 and have their fireworks seized, officials said.