Letter: Fourth of July celebrations shouldn’t impede on others’ lives

I wish to thank the Richland Police Department for being so relaxed in enforcing the fireworks laws in Richland. It’s great to watch all the beautiful explosions in the sky above our homes.

However, I am a bit disappointed that the Richland police did not enforce the noise laws on a weeknight when people have to get up to work in the morning.

In fact, I think I may rethink the illegal fireworks as well. Especially considering that at 10:13 p.m., I watched a rocket launcher with at least a half-dozen lit rockets tip over. One rocket flew into a small crowd of children, about seven of them around the ages of 8-10. Another exploded under a car across the street from them. The third flew into my yard and exploded in my bushes. At least two more flew towards another family, who seemed to be also letting off very loud fireworks at 10 p.m.

I enjoy the celebration. However, our celebration should not impede on others’ lives. We have city ordinances for a reason.

This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 2:15 AM with the headline "Letter: Fourth of July celebrations shouldn’t impede on others’ lives."