Thomas Milam: Illegal fireworks turn Modesto into a war zone

Here I sit in my home on the days before the 4th of July, ground zero for the flood of illegal fireworks that light up the night sky. Where is the fire department or the city police? No doubt hiding somewhere.

I am proud to be an American and don’t take this wrong, but I hate using the 4th of July as an excuse to set off illegal fireworks. It is not an appropriate way to celebrate our great nation, in my opinion. And thanks for the timely city ordnance that won’t go on the books until July 14th.

Illegal fireworks are easy to find, just look in the sky and drive toward the big flash in the sky. My neighbors have outdone themselves this year; you’d think I was on a battlefield from the noise, smoke and bright flashes. I am worried about my home being set on fire and my three dogs are going nuts.

Stop selling all fireworks and be done with it. At least have a task force to take calls and stop this next year! The same people shoot them off from the same addresses every year.

This story was originally published July 5, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Thomas Milam: Illegal fireworks turn Modesto into a war zone."