To: Rogers City Council and Mayor, Rogers, Arkansas

We, the undersigned residents of the City of Rogers, respectfully request that the City adopt an ordinance prohibiting the use of fireworks within city limits except for displays organized by licensed businesses or the City itself.

Reasons for this Petition:

Public Health and Safety Concerns
Fireworks cause significant distress to individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including veterans and trauma survivors. The loud, sudden explosions can trigger anxiety, panic attacks, and other serious mental health symptoms.

Impact on Pets and Wildlife

Many pets suffer extreme fear and disorientation due to fireworks, often resulting in injury, escape, or behavioral trauma. Wildlife is similarly affected, with fireworks causing panic, injury, and abandonment of nesting areas.

Environmental Pollution
Fireworks release harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and particulate matter into the air, contributing to air and water pollution and negatively impacting public health and environmental quality.

Benefits of Prohibiting Individual Fireworks within City Limits:

Increased public safety by reducing fire hazards and injuries
Improved mental health outcomes for PTSD sufferers and vulnerable individuals

Protection of pets and wildlife from unnecessary trauma
Reduction of environmental pollution and debris within our community

Enhanced community experience through organized, professional fireworks displays that are safer, better controlled, and easier to manage

Disadvantages of Allowing Fireworks within City Limits:

Risk of accidental fires, injuries, and property damage
Trauma and distress for veterans, trauma survivors, pets, and wildlife

Increased litter and environmental contamination from spent fireworks

Noise disturbances affecting sleep, work schedules, and overall quality of life for many residents

We believe that restricting fireworks to professionally managed and permitted displays is in the best interest of all residents. This approach maintains celebratory traditions while protecting public health, safety, and the environment.

We urge the City of Rogers to enact this change for the well-being of our entire community.

Respectfully,

Residents of the City of Rogers, Arkansas