Neptune Police Warn Against Private Fireworks Displays

Sure, it's the long Fourth of July weekend, and you're in the mood to celebrate. Before you fire off those Roman candles in your yard after midnight, remember: you can't hide what you're doing. Those displays of pyrotechnic prettiness will attract a lot of attention. And irritated neighbors will be the least of your worries. Do it in Neptune, and you'll have to answer to the Neptune Township Police Department (NTPD).

Police will be enforcing  fireworks and noise ordinances to the fullest extent possible, the department said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. 

"While we know many [people] are disappointed that most local 4th of July fireworks shows have been canceled due to COVID-19, this is not an excuse to wake your neighbors or risk causing a major fire by holding your own private show in the yard," the department said.

According to the Fireworks Consumer Brief  from the state Division of Consumer Affairs, the only fireworks you can set off without criteria that include a permit are handheld and ground-based sparklers, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers like party poppers and snappers. Aerial fireworks are illegal. These include bottle rockets, mortars, Roman candles, and, as the NTPD put it, "anything else that leaves the ground,"

Illegal fireworks have led to dozens of 9-1-1 calls and complaints in the township every weekend, the department said.