Firework sales, complaints surge as 4th of July events are canceled across region

Fireworks wrapped in red, white and blue packaging piled up in Jeremiah Deshetler’s cart this week as he shopped at Phantom Fireworks in Hempfield with the help of his 11-year-old daughter, Caitlin.

“Brentwood canceled their fireworks show very early during corona, so we’re trying to make up for that with as big a display as we can,” said Deshetler, 40, noting that normally his family would watch the show from the front porch of their Brentwood home while setting off a few of their own fireworks.

Brentwood was one of many communities across Southwestern Pennsylvania — and the country — to cancel summer fireworks displays this year because of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

But the familiar pops and bangs are filling the air in neighborhoods across the region in the weeks leading up to July Fourth.

Sales at the Phantom Fireworks location in Hempfield have tripled, said general manager Jeff Rule.

“The numbers are up considerably,” Rule said. “With everybody inside pent up because of the quarantine, everybody’s coming out.”

Bruce Zoldan, president and CEO of Phantom Fireworks, said the company’s Youngstown, Ohio-based factory has never been as busy as this year. Sales are up more than 100% each day, sometimes reaching 200% compared with previous years, he said.

“I guess you could look at it that home isolation, in and of itself, is like a virus and consumer fireworks are like a vaccine,” Zoldan said.

TNT Fireworks, which operates several firework tents in the region, also reported increased across the nation, said spokesperson Sherri Simmons.

Jared Moore, a supervisor at one of the company’s locations in Allison Park, said he saw between 40 and 45 customers within his first two days — including one day when rain hampered their efforts.

“We definitely have seen a good amount (of customers),” he said. “Covid definitely boosted it.”

Increased number of calls

While Krishna Overly, 34, still plans on celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks at her Latrobe home with her kids, Maximus and Mad­yson, and her husband, David, she was disappointed to hear the city’s annual celebration had been canceled.

“I think I was more devastated that that was canceled because Fourth of July is our day,” she said. “We make a day of it more than anything else.”

Latrobe police Chief John Sleasman said officers have anticipated fielding more firework complaints. Sleasman reminded residents fireworks may not be set off within 150 feet of structures or moving vehicles, nor may they be discharged on public property without permission. Anyone “found to be violating the fireworks law or causing a potentially hazardous situation to a nearby home or other structure” will be charged, he said.

Other municipalities across Westmoreland County are taking similar precautions. Hempfield officials reminded residents that complaints can be reported to state police in Greensburg. Trooper Steve Limani could not provide figures for firework complaints, as they are counted with other general disturbances.

Leechburg police Chief Jason Schaeffer said his department has yet to receive a fireworks complaint this summer.

He said they have, however, had several calls inquiring about whether people can set off fireworks for the Fourth of July. In Leechburg, he said, buildings are too close for people to set off fireworks.

“The homes are so close together that they’re going to catch their neighbor’s homes on fire. We don’t want to see people’s homes burn,” he said, adding that he’s also concerned with people injuring themselves or others.

Apollo police also reported no fireworks complaints.

In Allegheny County, Pitcairn is allowing residents to set off fireworks in a ball field on Broadway Boulevard.

Monroeville reported 14 complaints so far, one fewer than in 2019.

A few shows still on

In addition to Brentwood, Latrobe and Pittsburgh, firework shows have been canceled in Monroeville, New Kensington, Tarentum and South Fayette, among other places.

But those decisions are taking its toll on firework companies like Zambelli’s, located in Warrendale, and Pyrotecnico in New Castle.

George Zambelli, Jr., chairman of the board for the company, said that between 65% and 70% of business occurs the week of the Fourth of July. Now, 100% of the business is being impacted as events across the country are canceled, he said.

The same goes for Pyrotecnico, CEO Stephen Vitale wrote in a letter to the Tribune-Review.

“We must find a way to survive for another 13 months as there is only one Independence Day celebration in 2020,” he said. “We don’t get a do-over.”

But some municipalities are planning to hold firework shows.

Marcus Wisneski of Unity is hosting a “drive-in fireworks show” at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds starting at 10 p.m. July 4. Attendees will be asked to stay in or next to their vehicles.

“It’s the celebration of our country, and we should have it,” he told the Tribune-Review.

Moon also will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks at Robert Morris University.

“There is no public viewing area,” said Stacey Sommerfield, the township’s parks and recreation director. “… The hope is that residents will be able to view it from home.”

Beaver County officials are using a Fourth of July fireworks show to celebrate the reopening of the county, according to a Facebook post. The event will take place at the confluence of the Beaver and Ohio Rivers.

The Washington Wild Things and Y108 are teaming up to host their American Made 4th of July Firework Show presented by the Pennsylvania Lottery held at their Washington County stadium. The drive-in style event will cost $20 per car and space is limited.

Fayette County will also host its fireworks show, scheduled for Sunday at the Uniontown Mall.

“Our community has experienced so many unexpected and unprecedented challenges over the past couple of months that have significantly impacted people’s lives,” chamber CEO Muriel Nuttall said. “It’s more important than ever to hold this traditional event for families to enjoy.”

Megan Tomasic and Julia Felton are Tribune-Review staff writers. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@triblive.com or via Twitter @MeganTomasic. You can contact Julia at 724-226-7724, jfelton@triblive.com or via Twitter @JuliaFelton16.