BlueComet24 Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 I heard from a friend of mine that someone was lighting fireworks, I believe 1.3g items, while drinking and likely drunk. This seemed like clear recklessness that should be illegal, but I could not find any state or federal laws specifically prohibiting drinking and lighting fireworks (all my searches came up with irrelevant ATF pages). The person who was doing this was a firefighter who was licensed by the fire chief to use display fireworks. The fireworks were confiscated ones. This occurred in Washington State.I would like to know about the legality of this whole situation.
Andres1511 Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 In Europe, he would need to appear for a judge. He would no longer be a firefighter for sure. I don't know in Washington State, but I really hope he gets punished for such a reckless behavior....I have no problems with stupid things, but just don't when you can hurt other people. 1
Merlin Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 So people took his work and likely had fun with them themselves? The declaration says all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What was being harmed? Anyone? Who do think ask for a permit to use fireworks?those early Americans who celebrated the first July 4th?No body until a abusive out of control beurecrat Government began creating jobs for themselves at the expense of our hobby by denying us our unalienable (means God given) rights. If it truly our right to pursue happiness on our own property without harming others and if we are truly celebrating our liberation as Americans have been since the earliest days does the corrupt bloated government have the right to take away from the people what God gave us (inalienable rights)? I think not. They regulated fireworks for their salaries and fees such as they see fit to impose. We are right back where it all began with king George. I am sure the police proceed to shoot the contraband as it would be illegal for them to transport them. Interesting how his majesty the fire chief could wave a wand and just hand the stuff over in the first place to be disposed.
Nessalco Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 (edited) Blue, The state of Washington has adopted NFPA codes, which gives them the force of law. NFPA 1123 is the code related to the public display of fireworks. This is, quite frankly, a code every US fireworker should be familiar with. The codes are available for viewing online at nfpa.org You do have to create an account, and you cannot save, print, or directly copy any of the codes.Here's what 1123 says about your question: NFPA 1123 8.1.9 Impairment8.1.9.1 No person shall be present in the discharge site with alcohol in his or her system or while under the influence of drugs that are not over-the-counter or prescription medications used in compliance with the manufacturer's or physician's written instructions.8.1.9.2 No person shall be present in the discharge area while under the influence of over-the-counter or prescription medications that impair judgement, mobility, or stability of the user to such a degree that he or she cannot understand and conform to the requirements of applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing the display. Another post questioned the legality of the fire chief or his designee transporting product. Municipalities are exempt from BATFE licensing requirements, though I suspect DOT regs would/should apply. Kevin O Edited January 7, 2016 by Nessalco
stix Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 Well, what a lucky fucker that guy is. Not only did he abuse his own power, he confiscated someone else's joy. The Stasi would be impressed.
lloyd Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 Any intelligent AHJ will pull the permit the instant he sees any alcohol on site, or any sign of impairment on the part of any crew member -- even those not actually shooting. And justifiably so... I love my beer. But, if you guys really want to drink, do it off-site AFTER the show -- and only if you're certain there aren't any live pyro materials in any of your vehicles. If you think 1123 is strict, you should see what DOT will do to you! Lloyd
Nessalco Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 Problem here Lloyd is the AHJ was apparently the one drinking....
lloyd Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 (edited) No, Kev, he was just a shooter who happened to also be a firefighter. There are lots of firefighters who are also part-time shooters. During a show, they generally have no official capacity except "shooter". (admittedly, there are some shows done by fire departments, and I don't know how the chips would fall in that situation) The fire chief is the AHJ, and he should have had an official presence there if it was a show. If it's just 'private play', and there are no accidents or visible violations of the law, then it's up to the individuals to police themselves. In any case, it shouldn't have happened, but had any AHJ been present, they would have been compelled to cancel the shoot AND perhaps press some charges of some kind. LLoyd Edited January 7, 2016 by lloyd
BlueComet24 Posted January 7, 2016 Author Posted January 7, 2016 Thanks for the answers, Nessalco.I really don't know the situation of the confiscated fireworks, i.e. as to why they were confiscated.
OldMarine Posted January 7, 2016 Posted January 7, 2016 Woooeeee! If beer and fireworks are illegal they'll lock up my whole town!
Sparx88 Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) Ha ha yeah same here. Lloyd, We tend to stay out of each others business. But usually if one of us is doing stuff there are usually a few to join in. If someone fs up and does damage to someone or something other than their own we do our best to take care of each other. We don't run for phones to try and trick up on someone. Be a man and go talk with whoever you feel needs to be talked to and figure out between yous Edited January 9, 2016 by Sparx88
lloyd Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Sparx, that's the way to do it in a private setting. Be VERY glad you don't live in one of "those neighborhoods" with a lot of Northeastern big-city retirees, or you'd end up in jail for burning a sparkler! LLoyd
BlueComet24 Posted January 9, 2016 Author Posted January 9, 2016 One of my friend's neighbors threatened to call the police over him lighting fireworks... On New Year's Eve. They even said to another neighbor that they'd talked to him about the fireworks bothering them, which isn't true! They've never said a thing. I can't stand people who are so passive-aggressive and bring law enforcement into a matter before they even talk to their own neighbor about what's bothering them.
mikeee Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Drinking "alcohol" and fireworks can be a bad combination when consumption overtakes common sense.I do know a few people that refer to it as "aiming fluid".
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