BUFFALO, N.Y. — Fireworks rattled the sky Saturday night as people across Western New York celebrated Independence Day.
But for weeks, 2 On Your Side has heard dozens of complaints from people about what seems like nightly fireworks.
The noise is disruptive, but the fireworks can also be very dangerous.
A home in South Buffalo was destroyed due to a fire early Friday morning, and Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo says he strongly suspects fireworks played a role.
"There were witness statements saying that there were two groups firing Roman candles at each other. A significant amount of fireworks debris was found in the area, and neighbors pretty much confirmed that there was a lot of fireworks activity in the area at the time," Renaldo said.
In general, several police departments across Western New York noted an increase in calls regarding fireworks this summer.
The Buffalo Fire commissioner is urging people to not initiate any illegal fireworks use.
"The only thing really legal right now are sparklers," Renaldo told 2 On Your Side. "Nothing that flies in the air, no bottle rockets, Roman candles, things of that nature. If you have a home I would say just keep an eye on your property. If you have a garden hose I would keep a hose available, be vigilant."
"If you can, wet your roof down, wet your garage down, wet your shed down, the roof of your shed. Just have a hose available to pretty much work around the whole perimeter of your home."
The fire commissioner also says they have additional personnel on hand for the holiday weekend.
He says they're prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best.
Buffalo Police Captian Jeff Rinaldo told 2 on Your Side, "We would just ask that people utilize the legal fireworks. If you're gonna do so, please exercise extreme caution. They're still dangerous. They still account for tens of thousands of injuries a year across the country and most importantly, be a good neighbor."