Amateur 4th of July fireworks disrupt neighborhoods and veterans

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 4th of July is over, but fireworks are still a topic of concern. CBS 58 heard from several viewers who say they were frustrated with the noises of fireworks in their neighborhoods late and into the early morning hours.

CBS 58 obtained Ring camera footage that shows the moments fireworks went off in the Cold Spring Park neighborhood. The video shows how close the sparks got to a neighbor's front porch, cars and other homes.

Neighbors in the area say it went on for hours and some called it disruptive. A Vietnam veteran said the sounds gave him flashbacks of the war.

"Our brain is wired to protect us, and it wants to remember anything that can potentially threaten us," said Michael McBride, psychiatrist at the Milwaukee Veteran's Hospital.

The VA provides resources to help veterans navigate PTSD, including that which is triggered by fireworks.

"It's sadly ironic that the people who've fought for our freedom are the ones that struggle during this time when we're celebrating our freedom," said McBride.

Some say there's also concern over the lack of enforcement of local ordinances. Milwaukee police say they issued three citations for illegal fireworks between June 30 and July 4.