DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Setting off fireworks in your backyard is illegal, yet people continue to do it and others suffer the consequences.
Fire crews responded to an address at Bayshore Drive in the Town of Pomfret on July 4th just after 10:00 p.m. Police tell us it appears that a 58-year old woman was struck in the lap by a firework lit by a neighbor. The victim was flown to the burn unit at ECMC.
The sheriff's office says it appears an illegal firework display tipped over and shot horizontally instead of vertically, the firework landed in the woman's lap and exploded according to neighbors.
"Don't be an idiot," Elizabeth Woll, a neighbor in the Bayshore Drive community.
She has been concerned for years about neighbors shooting off fireworks along Lake Erie's shoreline.
"Unless you have professionals shooting them off people don't have the right to use them." Woll said.
Ryan Walker, Fredonia Fire Chief says people should leave the fireworks to the professional.
"You don't think it can happen to you until it does. Safety never takes a break on a holiday," Walker said.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office and Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office say the case remains under investigation and criminal charges are possible.
