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New Year's Eve fireworks can't be legally set off under this year's rules from many homes in the Anchorage Bowl, according to unscientific measurements of sample homes taken by Channel 2.
The Anchorage Assembly changed the laws about two weeks ago, and it’s now illegal to set off fireworks if your home is within 200 feet of another home.
Channel 2 measured the distance on several homes in East Anchorage, West Anchorage and the Hillside and none of the homes matched the new rules.
There are a few houses off Rabbit Creek Road that are far enough away from other homes.
Former state Sen. Dave Donley, who lives in East Anchorage, said the rules are unfair.
“It’s one day of the year,” Donley said. “One day seems pretty doggone reasonable.”
The Assembly changed the rules after several complaints that people were setting off fireworks too close to homes, and lighting them after the legal hours of 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Municaplity of Anchorage Fireworks Rules:
Fireworks can be used on private property only. They cannot be used in the following restricted areas:
* Property zoned B-2A Central Business District Core.
* Property zoned PLI (Public Lands and Institutions District).
* Within 500 feet of any commercial overnight visitor accommodation, health care or assisted living facility, library, school or place of religious worship.
* Within 500 feet of any automotive service station or other premises where flammable liquids or gasses are: stored in quantities in excess of 50 gallons of liquids or 100 pounds for gases; or offered for sale to the public.
* Within or from any structure or vehicle.
* Any location designated a noise sensitive zone under AMC 15.70.040.
* Any location determined in writing by the Municipality to pose a fire danger.
* Within any designated mobile home park.
* Within 200 feet of the residential structure of another.
Safety Tips:
* Always read and follow label directions
* Always have an adult present
* Only buy from reliable fireworks vendors
* Use outside only
* Light one Firework at a time
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
* Never attempt to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
* Never shoot or aim fireworks at another person
* Never give fireworks to small children
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket
* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
Contact Rebecca Palsha