PHOENIX — For most people Christmas morning is filled with joy and presents under the tree. Many neighbors in east Phoenix though, it began shortly after midnight with the loud crack of fireworks.
Christmas Eve marked the beginning of a ten day stretch where people are allowed to set off fireworks in Phoenix, with conditions.
The fireworks must remain on the ground and fall into a certain category, no rockets or explosions in the air are permitted, according to city regulations.
Neighbors all around Papago Park say the ordinance is clearly being violated.
“A lot of fireworks going on, and they are loud fireworks,” said Gary Bryce, when asked about his Christmas Eve evening.
The so called Silent Night was anything but for many in the Valley.
“It woke up our baby later in the middle of the night,” said Tim Hakim, who, like his nine-month-old, was also jolted from his slumber.
The problem with the fireworks is not just the sleep depriving noise, but the inability to accurately distinguish the sounds.
“There’s a lot of fireworks or gunshots, I'm not sure which,” said Hakim, who said he has found shell casings in his yard in the past.
A number of neighbors called Phoenix PD's non emergency line. Dispatchers told ABC15 they were flooded with calls for fireworks or possible gunshots.
“That’s a total waste of resources,” said Bryce.
Gary and Sheri Bryce say the pestering popping is new phenomenon.
“This is the first time it's ever happened. New Year's we always have problems,” said Bryce.
“There's nothing we can do about it, we just have to live with it.”
Valley cops will be looking to crack down on firework fanatics breaking the law, and peaceful parents will be hoping to get some sound sleep
“It would be nice if they stopped,” said Hakim.
“If you're going to do it, do it earlier maybe,” said Sheri Bryce.
