We are entering 2022. It is high time that the close knit, quiet, safe and friendly towns of Quispamsis/Rothesay implement a ban on back yard Fireworks. With very limited restrictions, people are shooting them off anywhere at anytime.

Many people have PTSD, from trauma, having suffered violence, or from serving in the Military. Fireworks often sound like gun fire, missiles, explosions, bombs dropping, etc. For most people and animals, unregulated back yard Fireworks are not safe and not friendly.

My Dad is a 97 year old Veteran. When he hears people shoot off fireworks, he panics, thinking he is back in the war. He just doesn't understand, as I helplessly try to assure him, that noise is "only fireworks". Many Veterans feel the same.

Have you ever witnessed an autistic child go into a corner and sit down with their hands over their ears rocking and rocking, even for hours after the fireworks have ceased? I have and it is heartbreaking to watch.

Driving through a subdivision recently, someone nearby suddenly shot off fireworks. My driver put her arm up and ducked her head, an unconscious reaction to thinking what she heard was a gun shot.

 Many family pets suffer severe anxiety from Firework noises. It is not uncommon for dogs to run off. Wildlife is certainly not immune to the shot-like sounds and flashing lights of Fireworks.  We have seen terrified deer jump into the road, when Fireworks were blasted off. What if a car had been coming?

Yes there are people who derive pleasure from seeing the sky light up and listening to the loud bangs, but they don’t seem to think of the damage it does to the children with special needs, the animals and our Veterans. Sadly it often takes them days to get over it.

Very recently, as you surely know, a house was hit with sparks from Fireworks. The Firemen said their house could have burned down. This is not acceptable. The time to prohibit amateurs from shooting off pyrotechs is long over due. Fireworks can be very dangerous in so many ways, and should be left to the "Professionals Only".

If Council truly believes that Quispamsis is the # 1 place to live in, please make it so.
To the residents of Quispamsis/Rothesay, if you agree that Consumer Fireworks in our Town have become out of control, then please add your names to this petition to be presented to our Mayors Libby O'Hara and Nancy Grant, and Councillors for addition to a Council Agenda.

Thank you,

~ Leslie Rice